Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs

What is Kennel Cough?

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, better known as kennel cough, is a respiratory disease which affects dogs. Kennel cough is often caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and canine parainfluenza virus which attack the lining of the dog's respiratory tract and lead to inflammation and irritation of the dog's upper airway.

This condition isn't serious for most otherwise healthy dogs, it can lead to more serious secondary infections in young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with a weakened immune system.

The name kennel cough comes from the highly contagious nature of this condition, which causes it to spread rapidly in places where pets are in close contact with each other such as kennels, dog parks, and multi-dog homes.

Kennel cough is spread when dogs come in contact with the droplets released through the cough of an infected dog. This can be through direct contact with the infected dog or through contact with objects that the infected droplets have landed on such as dog toys, bowls, cages or blankets.

Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs

The primary symptom of kennel cough is a non-productive persistent dry cough that can sound somewhat like a goose honk. Other symptoms of kennel cough in dogs can include runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, decreased appetite and mild fever.

If your dog is showing signs of kennel cough isolate your dog away from other dogs and contact your vet right away for advice.

If your dog is otherwise healthy, and showing mild symptoms, your vet may recommend simply isolating your pet from other dogs and allowing your dog to rest for a few days as you monitor their symptoms.

On the other hand, if your dog's symptoms are more severe your vet may recommend bringing your pet in for an examination.

How Kennel Cough is Diagnosed

There are a number of more serious conditions that share the symptoms of kennel cough, as such your vet may examine your pet for signs of collapsing trachea, heartworms, bronchitis, asthma, cancer, heart disease and more. Coughing can also be a sign of canine distemper virus or canine influenza virus.

Based on the results of your pet's examination and medical history your vet will determine whether kennel cough is the likely cause of your dog's symptoms.

Treatment of Kennel Cough in Dogs

In normally healthy adult dogs kennel cough can be easy to treat. Your vet may decide that no medications are required and that the best treatment for your dog is rest while the infection runs its course (much like the human cold).

If your dog is experiencing more severe symptoms your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent secondary infections or cough suppressants to provide your dog with some relief from the persistent coughing (much like the human cold).

During your dogs recovery it is a good idea to avoid using neck collars, and switch to a body harness when taking your dog for walks. You may also want to use a humidifier in rooms where your dog spends time, as this can help to relieve your dog's symptoms.

Most dogs recover from kennel cough within a week or two. In some cases, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia. If your dog's symptoms persist for longer a follow-up veterinary appointment is essential. 

How to Avoid Kennel Cough

Ask your vet about vaccinating your pet against kennel cough. While this vaccine may help to prevent kennel cough it is not a 100% prevention since kennel cough can be caused by a number of different pathogens.

Three forms of the vaccine are available injection, nasal mist, and oral medication. If the kennel cough vaccine is recommended for your pet, your veterinarian will choose the most appropriate form.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.