What is Kennel Cough and How to Prevent It?

Coughing on occasion is normal dog behavior and is not cause for concern. Repetitive coughing may indicate a more severe problem, mainly if there are changes in breathing sounds or patterns. But have you heard of kennel cough? What is it and how can we prevent our dogs from acquiring it?

Kennel cough is a common and contagious disease in dogs that causes coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms. Although the disease can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, serious complications, it usually responds well to veterinary treatment.

What is Kennel Cough? 

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a throat and upper airway infection in dogs.

Kennel cough can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria (and frequently by more than one pathogen in combination). The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and viruses such as canine influenza, canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus type-2, and others are common culprits.

The most common is Bordetella bronchiseptica. As a result, the terms kennel cough and Bordetella are frequently used interchangeably to refer to both the disease and the vaccine that helps prevent it.

How to Prevent Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a throat and upper airway infection in dogs.

Kennel cough can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. And even frequently by more than one pathogen in combination. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and viruses such as canine influenza, canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus type-2, and others are common culprits.

The most common is Bordetella bronchiseptica. As a result, the terms kennel cough and Bordetella are frequently used interchangeably to refer to both the disease and the vaccine that helps prevent it.

Because not all pathogens can be covered by vaccinations and immunity is not lifelong, it is still possible for a vaccinated dog to develop kennel cough. Vaccinations are still recommended, however, because they can significantly reduce the risk and may result in milder disease and faster recovery if a puppy contracts kennel cough.

Though kennel cough is common, being prepared and knowing what to do if your dog coughs can help to reduce the severity of the condition, prevent it from spreading to other dogs, and get your dog back to all of their favorite activities as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Kennel Cought from Spreading to Other Pups and Dogs?

If you have more than one dog, try to keep the kennel cough dog in a separate room. Avoid taking them out for longer walks than necessary, and always wash your hands after interacting with your dog or changing out their supplies.

Take these precautions until your vet gives your dog the all-clear to socialize. If you can’t get an appointment right away, consider isolating your dog for now.

Common Treatments for Kennel Cough

The treatment for kennel cough will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the infection.

Antibiotics for Kennel Cough

This directly treats common Bordetella bacteria. Antibiotics help prevent secondary or opportunistic bacterial infections after a viral infection, which can worsen the disease or lead to pneumonia.

Pet Safe Cough Suppressants, Anti-Inflammatories, and Pain Relievers

This helps to break the coughing cycle and soothes a sore throat. A dog with mild symptoms may be able to improve on their own. However, if the disease is not treated, it may worsen. Prompt care can relieve your pet from a cough or sore throat.

Home Remedies

Never give your pet medications at home without consulting your veterinarian; some drugs are toxic to pets! You can do a few other things to help your dog feel better, including…

• Making use of a humidifier, no medications or oils, just humidity.
• Allowing your dog to rest until their cough clears up
• Having plenty of drinking water on hand to avoid dehydration
• Changing from a collar to a harness that does not press on the throat
• If your pet’s appetite appears to be waning, offer soft or canned food — it’s easier to swallow.
• Keeping smoke, dust, and other irritants out of the house

How is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?

Coughing in dogs can be caused by various conditions, including infectious tracheobronchitis. Heart conditions, genetic conditions that cause windpipe narrowing, allergens/irritants, pneumonia, parasites, and other lung diseases are also common causes. The cause of the cough will determine the most appropriate treatment.

Your veterinarian will begin by asking questions about your dog’s recent history, for example, if your dog has recently been near other dogs, and performing a thorough physical examination.

In otherwise healthy pets, kennel cough symptoms combined with recent exposure to other dogs may be enough to make a diagnosis and start treatment.

Diagnostic testing, such as radiographs or infectious disease testing, may be required in some cases, particularly in dogs with severe symptoms or who do not respond well to treatment.

Fortunately, most dogs experience some relief soon after treatment begins, with complete resolution occurring in 1-2 weeks. Mild symptoms, on the other hand, can last for several weeks.

How Can Your Dog Catch Kennel Cough?

The viruses and bacteria that cause infectious tracheobronchitis including Bordetella bronchiseptica are highly contagious among dogs.

Kennel cough is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets, from coughing, sneezing, etc. However, it can also spread through direct contact or the sharing of objects such as toys, bedding, water and food bowls, and so on. The incubation period is 2-14 days, meaning a dog may be contagious before showing symptoms.

Dogs who go to boarding, grooming, doggie daycare, dog parks, travel, training classes, pet events, or anything else that brings a pup into proximity to other dogs, which could happen even on a walk, are at a higher risk of contracting kennel cough.

Stress, overcrowding, poor ventilation, cold temperatures, and inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke can also weaken the natural immune defenses in a dog’s respiratory tract, making the dog more susceptible to infection.

Cats can get kennel cough, though it is much less common than in dogs. Human infection is extremely rare and is usually only a concern in people with severely compromised immune systems.

Is Kennel Cough Fatal? 

Fortunately, kennel cough is not a fatal disease; most dogs recover completely. Conversely, the cough can be unpleasant and cause a sore throat, which may interfere with your dog’s eating or sleeping.

Kennel cough can sometimes progress to pneumonia, a severe and fatal complication. Young puppies, seniors, and puppies with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe diseases.