Kennel cough is an airborne and highly contagious respiratory disease that easily spreads between dogs. That’s why it spreads quickly in kennels. It is caused by both viruses and bacteria. The most significant symptom of this disease is coughing, which can sound like a goose honk. Other symptoms include eye and nasal secretions and sneezing. You can prevent kennel cough through regular vaccination.
If your dog constantly makes noises that sound like a honking goose or as if it is choking, then it is likely that your pet suffers from kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis.
At first glance, it may seem like a severe medical condition, but kennel cough is usually not life-threatening. Although treatment is needed, most dogs recover.
As the name suggests, this disease is most often encountered in kennels, doggie daycare centers, and animal shelters. But Kennel cough can occur anywhere. As long as there are a lot of dogs.
In this article, you will learn what kennel cough is, how dogs get it, the symptoms, and how you can prevent it.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a common respiratory condition in dogs and it is extremely contagious. It is an illness similar to human flu. It usually doesn’t endanger dogs’ lives, but it is recommended not to prevent or ignore it and take the necessary measures for fast recovery.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common and highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs.
It affects the trachea and bronchial tubes, causing dogs to cough.
What Causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough can be caused by both bacteria and viruses, often at the same time. The most common causative agent of this disease is the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs with weak immune systems are more prone to developing kennel cough.
Kennel cough is caused by bacteria and viruses[1], but especially by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Other pathogens that cause kennel cough are:
- Adenovirus type-2
- Parainfluenza virus
- Canine coronavirus
Kennel cough causes inflammation of the larynx and a dry cough. This cough sometimes sounds like dogs have something stuck in their throat.
This disease is very contagious and can spread quickly from one dog to another, especially in close proximity.
How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Dogs are most often infected through direct contact with other dogs in high-risk environments. Kennel cough can be transmitted when healthy dogs come into contact with infected dogs or contaminated objects.
The infection is usually spread when healthy dogs are exposed to the respiratory secretions of infected dogs that cough and sneeze.[2]
This transfer usually happens in crowded places:
- Dog shelters
- Dog parks
- Dog shows
- Doggie daycares
- Training groups
- Veterinary clinics
Kennel cough can be transmitted through the air. Contamination occurs when healthy dogs inhale the pathogenic microorganisms, which reach the respiratory tract.
Another way of contamination is when dogs come into contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.
Your dog may be more prone to develop the Kennel Cough under the following criteria:
- Cold weather
- Exposed to a lot of cigarette smoke or dust
- Spaces crowded with dogs
- Stress
These predisposing factors lower dogs’ immune systems making it easier for the bacteria or viruses to multiply and infect pets.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
The predominant symptom of kennel cough is coughing. This cough is dry and sounds like dogs have something stuck in their throat or a honking goose. Other symptoms are rare but include weight loss, lethargy, and fevers.
Kennel cough usually causes mild symptoms in dogs:
- Strong, persistent coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
Lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite are severe symptoms.
There are severe diseases with similar symptoms to kennel cough, such as canine distemper and canine influenza. It is important to report your dog’s coughing episodes to the veterinarian so it can be checked out
Other severe conditions that can cause dry cough in dogs include the following:[3]
- Heart diseases
- Tracheal collapse
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
How to Treat Kennel Cough
Kennel cough usually does not need treatment. Dogs often heal on their own in three weeks, but treatment does speed up recovery. Contact the vet if your dog’s symptoms worsen or new ones occur.
As Kennel cough is highly contagious, it is recommended to keep infected dogs away from other dogs. You should also contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Although most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own, medication can help speed healing and minimize symptoms during the course of the infection.
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and cough medicine. Veterinarians also recommend keeping affected dogs in areas with good humidity and using a harness instead of a collar to reduce coughing.
Natural healing usually takes three weeks maximum. Healing can take up to six weeks in elderly dogs and those suffering from other medical conditions.
Talk to the vet if the symptoms do not resolve in three or six weeks as severe infections can lead to pneumonia.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough?
Here is how kennel cough can be prevented:[4]
- Regular vaccination.
- Avoid contact with other dogs showing symptoms.
- Regular check-ups.
- Reduce exercise and long walks to decrease the duration and intensity of any coughing.
- Avoid respiratory irritants during recovery (such as sprays, household cleaners, incense, and cigarette smoke).
