Rapidly spreading and highly contagious, kennel cough is difficult to fully prevent but is usually self resolving.
Appearing suddenly and most likely after interaction with unfamiliar dogs, kennel cough can rapidly infect even the hardiest of breeds.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
Kennel cough infects and causes inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. The classic array of symptoms of infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) can include some and/or all of the following:
- A spasming, honking and/or a dry sounding cough that develops without warning and worsens with activity.
- Retching after coughing.
- A cough producing a white foamy discharge.
- Conjunctivitis - Inflammation and redness of the lining of the eyes.
- Rhinitis - A runny nose with or without swelling.
- A decrease in appetite.
Causes Of Kennel Cough
Any dog that is in close quarters with multiple and/or unfamiliar dogs is at risk for kennel cough. Even if the dogs have been immunized against some of the causal agents, kennel cough may still be contracted as the infection is caused by a combination of the following agents:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica – An airborne bacterium.
- Canine Parainfluenza or Adenovirus Types 1 and 2 - Viruses
- Mycoplasma
Kennel Cough Home Treatments
Most cases of kennel cough will resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment however some dogs may continue to cough for up to 3 weeks.
Dogs can be made more comfortable at home with the following:
- If the cough is not productive, human over the counter liquid cough syrup may be given.
- Some experts recommend honey on a slice of bread to alleviate irritation and coughing.
- Isolate the infected dog from all other dogs until coughing has ceased for approximately 10 days.
- Allow coughing to continue if it is productive as this will help clear infectious material.
- Disinfect living areas well (especially kennels).
- Ventilate living areas assuring an air flow pattern from the inside area to the outside.
- Keep humidity below 50% or as dry as possible.
Medical Attention For Kennel Cough Symptoms and Complications
Seek veterinary attention if the any of the following signs and symptoms are present:
- Fever
- Depression
- Inability to rest
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- Abnormal lung sounds
The veterinarian may choose to perform a complete blood count and chest x-ray as well as an airway laboratory analysis to rule out complications of pneumonia and distemper.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
- Cough suppressants if the cough is not productive.
Prevention Of Kennel Cough
The best defense against kennel cough is solid preventative steps:
- Immunize with vaccines against adenovirus types 1 and 2, parainfluenza and bordetella.
- During periods of shared or close quarters with multiple dogs do not allow sharing of food and water dishes.
- Assure that quarters are kept clean, dry and well ventilated with air venting to the outside.
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