Does your dog sound like the dog in this video?
This is what kennel cough sounds like. Also known as Intracual bronchitis, this common upper respiratory infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Kennel cough can be triggered by both bacteria and viruses but the most common cause is from the Inflazyme virus and the bacteria Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can remain infective from 6 to 14 weeks after symptoms have stopped. Both bacteria and viruses are spread through the air by sneezing and coughing dogs. If your dog has been stressed from travel, been in a crowded kennel, around dust or other pollutants in the air then Bordetella Bronchiseptica (the chief agent of kennel cough) can enter the dogs respiratory system.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica is usually accompanied by at least one other infectious agent. Usually a virus so kennel cough are multiple infections and not just a single infection. Kennel cough occurs more frequently in dogs that are kelp in over crowded and dusty kennels. Some examples could be boarding kennels, grooming shops, or animal shelters. In general if a healthy dog starts coughing it’s due to some type of bacterial infection. Coughing, dry hacking and vomiting during physical activities are all common symptoms of kennel cough. Sometimes the dog may have nasal discharge and even a fever.
Symptoms often occur 6 to 14 days after exposure to kennel cough. Dogs will usually continue to eat and be active but sometimes it can be more serious. In more serious cases they stop eating and can develop pneumonia. In the worst cases death can occur. It’s rare to lose a dog to kennel cough but puppies are vulnerable to these infections and are at high risk of death. Kennel cough usually lasts between 10 to 20 days and can re-occur during times of stress. Most kennel cough cases resolve without any medical intervention. Most vets don’t recommend immediate treatment like Anti Antibiotics. They prefer to let the dog heal itself naturally. Recovery from kennel cough can take up to 3 weeks in healthy dogs. Older dogs or young puppies can take a little longer to recover.
If your dog doesn’t show signs of improvement within a week or the cough gets progressively worse, you should take your dog to the vet to be on the safe side.
Here are a few things you can do to help your dog during sickness from kennel cough:
- Take your dog’s collar off for a few weeks
- Wet your dogs food if your using a dry dog food formula
- Try to get your dog to drink lots of water
The best defense against kennel cough or any other disease is to keep your pets immune system strong by adding an immune system support supplement to it’s diet.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria and is commonly spread in places where dogs are in close proximity to each other, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons.
Symptoms of kennel cough include:
- Dry, hacking cough: This is the most common symptom and can sound like your dog is trying to clear its throat.
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Retching or gagging, especially after coughing fits
Most dogs with kennel cough remain alert and active despite the cough. However, in severe cases, it can progress to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Treatment for kennel cough typically involves supportive care to help alleviate the symptoms. Here are some general guidelines:
- Isolation: Keep the affected dog away from other dogs to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rest: Allow your dog to rest and avoid strenuous activities to help the body recover.
- Humidify the air: Using a humidifier can help soothe your dog’s irritated throat.
- Cough suppressants: Your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to provide relief from the coughing fits.
- Antibiotics: If the veterinarian suspects a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections or treat a bacterial component of the kennel cough.
- Supportive care: Ensure your dog stays hydrated and eats nutritious food to support the immune system. You can offer bland and easily digestible food.
- Vaccination: Regular vaccination, including the Bordetella vaccine, can help prevent kennel cough. However, the vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete immunity but can reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has kennel cough. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment based on the severity of the symptoms. Additionally, if your dog’s condition worsens or if they develop signs of pneumonia (such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or bluish gums), seek immediate veterinary care. Heart worms can have some of the same symptoms.
