What is?

Kennel cough is a common, contagious, and typically self-limited respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and trachea. Kennel cough can be viral or bacterial in nature and is caused by many different types of viruses/bacteria found in public spaces where other dogs congregate. Dogs contract kennel cough by inhaling bacteria or virus particles into their airways. Similar to a cold in humans, kennel cough is spread through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces. It is easily contracted through exposure in kennels, doggy daycare, canine sporting events, vet offices, any public space where dogs visit, such as parks, or virtually anywhere your dog comes into direct or indirect contact with others dogs. Like a human cold, it is highly treatable, but difficult to prevent.

Symptoms of the condition

Symptoms usually begin to develop two to six days after exposure and include a dry or squawking cough that almost sounds like the dog is choking, and may be accompanied by discharge from the nose or eyes. It can also include fever and loss of appetite. Coughing can be triggered by excitement, play, drinking or eating, or applying pressure to the throat. Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.

Prevention

All dogs are susceptible to kennel cough. Although there is a vaccine available for the bordetella virus, which is the most common strain of kennel cough, since there are other strains that are not covered by the vaccine, the vaccine may not prevent your dog from contracting the illness. The best way to limit (but not eliminate) your dog’s exposure is to limit him from public areas where other dogs congregate as much as possible.

Treatment

Treatment should include a visit to the veterinarian so that the medical examination can determine if an antitussive and antibiotics are necessary, since they are not appropriate in all cases. Walking the dog with a collar around its neck should be avoided during symptoms, as this can put more pressure on the windpipe, thus causing coughing and further inflaming its windpipe. A vaporizer or putting the dog in the bath while you give it a steamy shower is also helpful to help unclog the nose and open up the airway. There are also some natural remedies that can be used to help the dog alleviate the symptoms. Treating kennel cough does not mean that the dog will never get the disease again. As with the human cold, any time the dog is around other dogs and canine areas, it is at risk of contracting the disease.