Kennel cough is one of the most common respiratory infections affecting dogs. Highly contagious, the illness is transmitted from dog-to-dog in much the same way that a cold is spread among humans.
What is Kennel Cough and How Does it Spread?
Kennel cough is a catch-all term for several different conditions which are often transmitted together, resulting in an acute constellation of symptoms.
The most common cause of kennel cough is a bacteria called Bordetella Bronchiseptica. In clinical cases of kennel cough, this bacteria is commonly seen alongside one of two viruses: the Adenovirus and the Parainfluenza virus.
Kennel Cough is easily spread in kennels, animal shelters, doggy day care facilities, and anywhere else that dogs are in close contact within an enclosed area.
The bacteria often becomes airborne when an infected dog breathes, barks and coughs, and once airborne, the bacteria is inhaled by another animal, resulting in the transmission of kennel cough.
What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
The symptoms of kennel cough are often quite acute. The Bordetella bacteria will take up residence in the respiratory system, causing severe irritation to the trachea and bronchi.
A dog with kennel cough will have symptoms of a very dry, hacking cough. The cough is typically quite frequent, and the very act of breathing can trigger a coughing fit. Activities such as walking, running and playing also tend to trigger bouts of coughing in a dog with kennel cough.
“A dog who is infected by kennel cough is generally well otherwise. It’s rare to see other symptoms like a fever, poor appetite or lethargy – we usually just see the frequent, hacking cough,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
Symptom will typically persist for a span of one to three weeks and during this time, the infected dog will be at risk of spreading kennel cough to other animals for several weeks after the symptoms have disappeared.
Treating Kennel Cough in Dogs
Cough suppressant medication, combined with antibiotics, are the most common treatments for dogs who have been diagnosed with kennel cough.
“In most cases, isolation from other pets, combined with supportive care is the best treatment. In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed, particularly in dogs who have a history of respiratory infections because there are some instances where kennel cough can lead to pneumonia,” Dr. Levine explained.
Notably, pet owners can currently opt to vaccinate their pet against Bordetella, essentially eliminating the risk of developing this contagious ailment.
Kennel cough vaccinations are now requisite for admission to many boarding facilities, animal shelters, doggy day care facilities and dog training programs.
