About Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (it has
also been called Bordatellosis or Bordatella). It is a highly
contagious respiratory infection affecting the airways. Kennel cough is
commonly contracted in situations where dogs are confined in close
contact, such as kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, and dog shows.
Stress, poor ventilation, and temperature and humidity extremes are also
thought to increase the susceptibility of dogs to kennel cough.
Causes of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a complex disease that is caused by a number of
infectious agents including canine parainfluenza virus, canine
adenovirus 2, canine distemper virus, and a bacteria called
Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Other viruses and bacteria may also be involved, although their roles
are less well understood. These viruses and bacteria can act alone or
together to cause kennel cough.
Usually, kennel cough is not serious, but some dogs can become
seriously ill from kennel cough infection (especially very young, very
old, or immunocompromised dogs). In any case, whenever a dog is
coughing, a vet visit is highly recommended to sort out possible
diagnoses and treatment options.
Signs of Kennel Cough
Common signs
- Cough, usually a dry hacking cough (sometimes described as a goose
honk cough). The severity and type of cough can be variable however.
- Retching and gagging (as if something stuck in throat)
- and expulsion of white foamy fluid
More serious signs
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
While a coughing dog should see a vet for evaluation, if lethargy
or loss of appetite accompany the cough, see your vet immediately as
this may indicate serious complications such as pneumonia.
The symptoms usually appear about 5-10 days after exposure to an
infected dog, and can last for up to 3 weeks, though symptoms may
improve considerably within a few days. It is thought that dogs can
remain contagious for several weeks after symptoms clear up.
Diagnosis of Kennel Cough
Uncomplicated cases of kennel cough can often be diagnosed based
on history (i.e. exposure to new dogs), symptoms, and physical
examination. If some of the more serious signs such as nasal discharge,
lethargy, and loss of appetite are present, further testing such as
blood counts and radiographs (x-rays) may be recommended.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
Your vet will recommend treatment based on the severity of illness
in your dog. Many dogs recover without treatment, so your dog may
simply require monitoring to ensure the symptoms are not worsening. For
dogs with severe coughs, a cough suppressant may be prescribed, and in
come cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial
infections. If your dog has symptoms such as fever, lethargy and loss of
appetite, more intensive treatment will be recommended.
Pressure from a collar can exacerbate kennel cough symptoms, so
switching to a harness is recommended for the duration of the illness.
Prevention of Kennel Cough
Both injectable and intranasal (administered in the nose) vaccines
are available to protect against kennel cough. Your veterinarian can
recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your dog's
situation and risk factors for kennel cough.
Vaccinations should be given at least a week or two in advance of
situations where your dog is at risk for contracting kennel cough to be
most effective. Most boarding facilities require vaccination against
kennel cough (along with the routine annual vaccinations).
Please Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.