One of the many joys of owning a dog comes with understanding their health intricacies. At VEG ER for Pets, we strive to provide invaluable information on common ailments that can affect all kinds of pets. In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into kennel cough in dogs: its symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.

What is Kennel Cough and What Causes It?

Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a widespread infectious disease that primarily affects a dog’s respiratory system. It’s marked by a dry, hacking cough and can sometimes progress to more severe respiratory symptoms. While most dogs with kennel cough recover with appropriate care, it can be a significant cause of distress for both the pet and the owner.

How is Kennel Cough Transmitted?

Kennel cough can result from various pathogens, with the most common being Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium and the canine parainfluenza virus. Kennel cough is airborne and therefore spreads easily and rapidly.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness that is easily transmitted in crowded places like boarding facilities, grooming facilities, shelters, doggie daycares, vet offices and dog parks.

It spreads when an infected dog coughs or sneezes and another dog inhales droplets containing the bacterium or virus.

Dogs can also pick it up from sharing a sick dog’s toys, bedding, water or food bowls, and it can be transmitted by human touch – handling a sick dog then petting or touching a healthy dog or handling its toys, bowls, bedding, etc.

Along with its dense population of dogs, stress from being in a noisy, unfamiliar space like a boarding kennel can weaken a dog’s immune system, leaving it more vulnerable to the illness. Poor ventilation and high humidity are additional contributing environmental factors for kennel cough susceptibility.

It often spreads in areas with high dog populations like kennels, dog parks, and pet daycares.

Factors that can increase chances of contracting kennel cough

There are a few factors found to lower a dog's immune defenses, making them more susceptible to catching kennel cough. They include:

• Cold temperatures

• Exposure to dust or smoke

• Stress

If your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, bring them to your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Below are the main symptoms of canine kennel cough:

Dog has persistent cough

The hallmark of kennel cough is a forceful, persistent cough that often has a dry and hacking quality to it. It may sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat or is trying to clear their throat. This cough can intensify following physical activity or at night.

Accompanying symptoms of kennel cough

In addition to coughing, other signs may point towards kennel cough.

Additional symptoms of kennel cough

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Mild fever (in some cases)

Although these symptoms may be subtle, they can provide critical clues for an accurate diagnosis. Kennel cough can progress to pneumonia so its imperative that if you see any of these more severe signs, you have your pet seen right away.

Is Kennel Cough Dangerous?

Kennel cough can be dangerous if it progresses into pneumonia which is more likely to occur in dogs that are:

• Very young

• Older

• Have other existing health issues (diabetes, heart disease)

• Are immunocompromised (cancers)

• Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians)

• Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, etc.).

Note: Any cough your dog may have warrants a vet visit to either rule out kennel cough or ensure its early treatment to prevent pneumonia from developing.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough at the Vet

Below are the steps we take at VEG animal clinic to diagnose this condition: 

Clinical examination to diagnose kennel cough

Diagnosing kennel cough typically starts with a thorough clinical examination. The vet will evaluate your dog’s overall health, ask about their recent history and symptoms, and listen to their lungs. The characteristic kennel cough can often be provoked by gentle pressure on the dog’s windpipe (also known as their trachea) during this exam.

Additional diagnostic tests for kennel cough

While a vet can often presumptively diagnose kennel cough based on symptoms and history alone, they might recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions or determine if there’s an underlying disease that could be worsening your dog’s symptoms. These tests might include a complete blood count (CBC), chest x-rays, or even a bacterial culture from the throat or nose.

Does your dog have a persistent dry cough? It could be kennel cough. Call or bring your pet in day or night for prompt, compassionate veterinary emergency care.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

Once your dog has been exposed to kennel cough, symptoms typically appear 2-3 days afterwards but can take up to as long as 14 days to manifest.

Dogs are most contagious during this incubation period and when they are symptomatic (coughing and sneezing).

Antibiotics for Bordetella-induced illness may shorten its length of time. Some dogs may improve symptomatically but remain active carriers of the illness for even several weeks longer. Your primary care vet can advise you best regarding your dog’s specific condition.

Kennel Cough Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and your dog’s overall health.

Antibiotics: the mainstay of treatment for kennel cough

While in some dogs, kennel cough can be self limiting, treatment for kennel cough often includes antibiotics to combat the bacterial causes of the disease, primarily Bordetella bronchiseptica. Doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfa are commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Cough suppressants for dogs can alleviate discomfort

While antibiotics target the underlying infection, cough suppressants provide symptomatic relief, making your dog more comfortable during the recovery phase. Cough suppressants are not a common treatment for kennel cough, but if severe enough, occasionally couch suppressants may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort if causing the pet to lose sleep due to coughing, or if underlying conditions worsen with coughing. However, these should be used under a vet’s guidance as they could mask more severe symptoms or complications.

Supportive care measures for kennel cough

Supportive care is an essential part of managing kennel cough. Provide a calm and stress-free environment for your pet to speed up recovery. Also, ensure they’re well-hydrated and nourished, and limit physical activity to prevent triggering coughing fits.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Kennel Cough

No dog parent wants their doggo to suffer with kennel cough. Read below for ways to prevent kennel cough in dogs: 

Vaccinate your dog for kennel cough

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent kennel cough. Several vaccines, including injectable, oral, and intranasal forms, can protect against some of the most common organisms causing kennel cough. Your vet can guide you on the best vaccination schedule for your pet.

Remember, just because your pet is vaccinated does not mean they cannot get kennel cough – it will help their immune system fight off a possible infection, and prevent the course of disease from worsening. For example – vaccinated dogs may develop a minor cough rather than a cough and secondary pneumonia.

Hygiene practices: a barrier against kennel cough infection

Maintaining good hygiene practices can also help prevent the spread of kennel cough. Regularly disinfect common areas and items your dog comes in contact with. If your dog is diagnosed with kennel cough, isolate them from other dogs to prevent transmission. If your dog has kennel cough, the typical time for isolation is 2 weeks after the cough resolves.

Can Humans or Other Pets Get Kennel Cough?

The short answer is yes, but there are factors that would cause a human or another type of pet, like a cat, to contract kennel cough. Know that this is extremely rare, but can happen.

• Other dogs are at very high risk of catching kennel cough.

• Humans and cats almost never contract the illness unless they are immune-compromised and even then, symptoms are much milder. Specifically, the Bordetella bacterium is responsible for the rare occurrence of infection in humans and cats.

• Kennel cough poses no risk of transmission to pet birds.

Call VEG if Your Dog is Showing Symptoms of Kennel Cough

At VEG, we’re available around the clock to provide exceptional and urgent care for your pets. If you suspect your dog might have kennel cough, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local VEG location immediately. Our team of dedicated veterinary professionals is ready to assist with prompt, compassionate care to ensure your pet’s speedy recovery. 

Every dog is unique, and so is their health situation. VEG tailors its care approach to meet your pet’s individual needs. From diagnostic tests to treatment plans, our comprehensive services aim to bring your dog back to better health. Remember VEG is open 24/7 if your dog is showing signs of kennel cough.