Kennel cough in dogs
Kennel cough—as a dog owner, you have probably heard of it, or perhaps your dog has suffered from it at some point. It is a harsh, rasping cough that makes many owners think something is stuck in their dog’s throat. Nothing could be further from the truth. Kennel cough is an inflammation of the upper airways. Young dogs in particular are highly likely to develop kennel cough, especially if they visit places where many other dogs gather. Kennel cough is highly contagious. Although it often sounds severe and frightening and causes owners great concern, the disease is not dangerous. In most cases, kennel cough in dogs clears up on its own.
The cause of kennel cough in dogs
In general, kennel cough can be caused by the following viruses and bacteria: parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and particularly the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Like the flu, kennel cough spreads through the air and through contact between animals. In places where many dogs gather, such as a kennel, a dog-walking service bus, or a dog-walking area, any infection can spread extremely quickly. So your dog can catch kennel cough not only in a kennel, but anywhere many dogs come together. Any dog that comes into contact with other dogs can develop this unpleasant cough.
The symptoms of kennel cough
Kennel cough is highly contagious. The disease spreads through coughing and bringing up mucus. An infected dog that has stopped coughing can still infect other dogs! Some dogs only have a runny nose or inflamed eyes; these animals are otherwise still active and have a good appetite. Only when excessively excited, for example while playing, or when the collar is pulled during walks, may the dog start coughing heavily, possibly accompanied by gagging or vomiting. A small number of dogs may develop pneumonia as a result of kennel cough. However, the severity of the disease largely depends on the dog’s immune resistance.
The treatment of kennel cough in dogs
Kennel cough is highly contagious. It is therefore very important to keep your dog away from other dogs. Treatment for adult dogs with mild coughing, no fever, and no lack of energy mainly consists of rest. Normally, the dog will have fully recovered within about 10 to 14 days. However, if you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian. Do not immediately take your dog to the clinic, as, if it does have kennel cough, it could infect other animals in the waiting room. Speak to the veterinarian by phone to discuss the best option. They will let you know whether they think you should bring your dog in or whether they will simply prescribe something to reduce irritation of the throat lining. There are also other measures you can take yourself to prevent unnecessary irritation of the airways:
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest; for example, do not take it on overly long walks.
- Give your dog soft, easily digestible food.
- Get a harness for walking your dog so that the leash does not pull on its throat.
- Make sure your dog does not bark or become overexcited too much.
- Make sure the area where your dog stays is free of smoke and dust and is well ventilated. Also try to keep the area as free from drafts as possible.
Preventing kennel cough
These days, dogs can be vaccinated against this unpleasant infection. However, this does not guarantee that your faithful companion will not catch kennel cough. You can compare it to flu vaccination in humans. Just like human flu, kennel cough is caused by many different pathogens. Because of this great variety of culprits, it is not possible to vaccinate against every possible variant. Dogs are therefore vaccinated against the most common strains. These are the previously mentioned parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bacterium.
When should you consult the veterinarian urgently ?
If a puppy or an old, weaker dog has kennel cough, it is recommended that you contact the veterinarian immediately. These dogs are more susceptible to developing severe pneumonia. The veterinarian will then prescribe a course of antibiotics. Also contact the veterinarian if your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or does not improve within a week. If you own, for example, an English Bulldog or Pug and think that your faithful companion has kennel cough, you should also consult the veterinarian with some urgency, as these breeds have relatively short snouts. These dogs become short of breath more quickly and may suffer considerably from kennel cough.
