Kennel cough is a prevalent and highly contagious respiratory ailment affecting dogs. It induces persistent, forceful coughing and can lead to inflammation in the lungs, windpipe, and voice box. If your dog’s cough resembles the honking of a goose, it may be kennel cough. In this Nielsprints.co Dog Blog article, we explore kennel cough in dogs, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage and prevent it.
What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs? Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious respiratory disease, is an upper respiratory infection that primarily presents as a loud, dry, and persistent cough. Mild cases often resolve without treatment, but severe instances can progress to life-threatening pneumonia.
Causes of Canine Kennel Cough Kennel cough can be attributed to both viruses and bacteria. Mild kennel cough typically results from a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica, as well as adenovirus type 2 and canine parainfluenza virus. In very young puppies, kennel cough can be caused by canine herpesvirus.
Duration of Kennel Cough in Dogs Mild kennel cough typically lasts for 6 to 10 days. Severe kennel cough can be linked to canine distemper virus, canine influenza virus, or mycoplasma canis, which may take up to 3 weeks to resolve. Older dogs and those with underlying health issues might require up to 6 weeks for a full recovery.
How Is Kennel Cough Spread Among Dogs? Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog. Shared items like pet carriers, food and water bowls, toys, bedding, and dog apparel can also transmit the disease. Additionally, kennel cough is airborne and can spread when infected dogs bark, cough, sneeze, or shed dander. Factors like cold temperatures, exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, crowded environments, and poor ventilation increase the risk of infection. Increased travel stress, which can weaken a dog’s immune system, may result in kennel cough right after transport.
Dogs at Higher Risk for Kennel Cough While any dog can contract kennel cough when exposed to infected animals, certain dogs are more vulnerable. Dogs that frequently attend doggy daycare, boarding and training facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons face a heightened risk. Puppies under six months of age, senior dogs, shelter dogs, and those with compromised immune systems are also at greater risk. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, bulldogs, pugs) have an increased risk of severe infection due to their unique airway structure.
Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Humans? It is exceedingly rare for humans to contract kennel cough from dogs. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or lung cancer, are at a slightly higher risk. Kennel cough is closely related to the bacteria causing whooping cough in humans, but direct transmission is uncommon.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs The onset of kennel cough symptoms typically occurs 2 to 14 days after infection. Symptoms include:
Mild Symptoms:
- Dry, honking cough resembling a goose
- Retching and gagging
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery, crusty, or goopy eyes
- Swollen lymph nodes in the lower jaw or armpits
Severe Symptoms:
- Chesty cough with foamy white phlegm
- Fever
- Exercise intolerance
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Labored breathing
If your dog exhibits persistent coughing, consulting a veterinarian is essential to diagnose kennel cough and monitor your dog’s health.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kennel Cough in Dogs Veterinarians can often diagnose kennel cough based on symptoms and a dog’s exposure to other dogs. They may conduct a physical examination, check for fluid in the lungs, and apply gentle pressure to induce the characteristic honking cough. In some cases, nasal swabs or chest X-rays may be necessary for a precise diagnosis.
Treatment of Kennel Cough:
- Mild cases typically require rest and a fresh dog food diet, along with measures like using a humidifier in the dog’s room and using a dog harness to reduce coughing discomfort.
- Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants for more severe cases. Nebulizer treatments may be needed in extreme situations, and bacterial pneumonia cases may necessitate intravenous antibiotics.
Recovery rates for mild kennel cough are high, with 98.8% of dogs recovering within 14 days. However, early diagnosis is crucial to monitor your dog’s condition and prevent the infection’s spread.
Prevention of Kennel Cough in Dogs Preventing kennel cough involves vaccination and limiting exposure to infected animals. There are three types of Bordetella vaccines:
- Injectable vaccine: Administered to puppies at four months of age, requiring two doses 2-4 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster.
- Oral vaccine: Available for Bordetella bronchiseptica, given to puppies as young as eight weeks, with annual boosters.
- Nasal vaccine: Protects against canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type 2, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, with full protection taking four days. It can be given to puppies at three weeks of age, followed by a booster if administered before 16 weeks.
While the Bordetella vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it significantly reduces the risk of kennel cough. Discuss the vaccination with your veterinarian, especially if your dog frequents areas with other dogs or if they are at higher risk.
Multi-Dog Households and Kennel Cough: In multi-dog households, the infected dog can transmit kennel cough to other dogs due to its high contagiousness. Isolation and caution are advised until the infected dog has completed treatment and is approved by the veterinarian. Vaccination of other dogs might be considered for future protection.
Conclusion: Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory ailment that can affect dogs of all ages. While mild cases often resolve with rest and time, severe instances may require medical intervention. The Bordetella vaccine is a valuable tool for preventing kennel cough, particularly in dogs that have frequent exposure to other canines. Consulting your veterinarian is crucial to determine the best course of action for your dog’s health and well-being.
