Kennel cough, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common respiratory infection in dogs. It’s highly contagious and, while often mild, understanding what kennel cough is, how it spreads, and how to manage it is crucial for every dog owner. This guide will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of kennel cough to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
How Kennel Cough Spreads Among Dogs
The primary culprit behind kennel cough is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. In fact, you might hear kennel cough simply referred to as “Bordetella” by some. Dogs are most susceptible to contracting kennel cough in environments where many dogs gather. These high-risk locations include boarding kennels, dog daycare centers, dog parks, training classes, dog shows, and even dog-friendly cafes or breweries. Transmission of kennel cough occurs easily through several routes:
- Airborne droplets: Coughing and sneezing dogs release infectious droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by other dogs.
- Direct contact: Nose-to-nose contact or close interaction between dogs can directly spread the infection.
- Contaminated surfaces: Sharing items like food and water bowls, toys, or bedding can also facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
While kennel cough is generally treatable in healthy adult dogs, it can pose a greater risk to puppies under six months old and dogs with weakened immune systems due to pre-existing health conditions. In these vulnerable dogs, kennel cough can be more severe and require more intensive care.
Recognizing Kennel Cough Symptoms in Your Dog
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, be vigilant for these common symptoms:
- A persistent, hacking cough: This is the hallmark symptom of kennel cough, often described as a dry, goose-honk cough.
- Runny nose: Nasal discharge, which can range from clear to yellowish, is another frequent symptom.
- Sneezing: Increased sneezing may accompany the cough and runny nose.
- Lethargy: Your dog might seem more tired or less energetic than usual.
- Reduced appetite: Some dogs with kennel cough may show a decrease in their appetite.
- Eye discharge: Similar to nasal discharge, eye discharge can also occur.
It’s crucial to remember that while kennel cough is often mild and treatable, any coughing in dogs should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, a veterinary expert, emphasizes that symptoms of kennel cough can mimic more serious conditions like canine distemper and canine influenza.
Other canine health issues, such as a collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma, and heart disease, can also manifest as coughing. Therefore, professional veterinary diagnosis is essential to rule out these more severe illnesses and ensure your dog receives the appropriate treatment.
Effective Kennel Cough Treatment Options
For mild cases of kennel cough, the typical treatment involves rest and supportive care for about a week, much like how you would manage a common cold in humans. However, your veterinarian may prescribe specific medications to aid your dog’s recovery and prevent complications. Common kennel cough treatments include:
- Antibiotics: Veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, which can sometimes develop in dogs with kennel cough.
- Cough suppressants: To alleviate the coughing and provide relief for your dog (and improve sleep quality for both of you), cough suppressants may be recommended.
In some cases, veterinarians might suggest nebulizers or vaporizers to deliver inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators. While these can be beneficial, they are not routinely prescribed for typical kennel cough cases. Always consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Additionally, when walking a dog with kennel cough, using a dog harness instead of a collar is advisable. A collar can put pressure on the trachea, potentially worsening the cough and causing further irritation. If you have multiple pets at home and one dog develops a cough, it’s highly likely that all dogs in the household have been exposed. If your dog attends daycare, it’s important to keep them home to prevent further spread of the infection to other dogs.
Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs: Vaccination and Best Practices
Fortunately, kennel cough can be prevented through vaccination. A vaccine is available to protect dogs against the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium, the most common cause of kennel cough. Vaccination is particularly beneficial for dogs that are frequently in social settings:
- Dogs that are regularly boarded at kennels.
- Dogs attending dog daycare facilities.
- Dogs participating in canine sports or training groups.
- Dogs otherwise exposed to numerous dogs in social environments.
Many boarding facilities, daycare centers, and training classes require proof of kennel cough vaccination for enrollment. The kennel cough vaccine is available in different forms: oral, intranasal, and injectable. Depending on the type, the initial vaccination usually involves two doses given two to four weeks apart, followed by booster shots every six months to a year to maintain immunity.
It’s important to note that while the Bordetella vaccine is highly effective against Bordetella bronchiseptica, kennel cough can also be caused by other viruses and bacteria, including canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasma. Therefore, even with vaccination, there’s still a possibility of your dog contracting kennel cough from these other pathogens.
If your dog starts coughing or if you plan to introduce your dog to a group of new dogs, consulting with your veterinarian about kennel cough vaccination is a proactive step in protecting their respiratory health. Vaccination, combined with good hygiene practices in communal dog environments, plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of kennel cough and ensuring your dog’s well-being.
