Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Helpful Guide for You

What Is a Dog Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with a single or a mixture of pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma. It primarily affects puppies, but adult dogs can also become infected. It is an upper respiratory infection that affects the trachea and bronchi. It is similar to a human cold and can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. The disease spreads quickly through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces.

What Are the Common Pathogens of Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Syndrome (CIRDC) or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by a variety of pathogens. The most common causative agent is Bordetella bronchiseptica, followed by Canine Parainfluenza Virus, CPiV, and Canine Adenovirus Type 2, CAV-2. In addition, Canine Coronavirus, CCV, and Canine Herpesvirus, CHV are also possible pathogens, but are relatively rare. In some cases, kennel cough may also be caused by secondary infections such as bacteria or mycoplasma. 

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Common symptoms of kennel cough include:

• Cough

Often the most obvious symptom, this is a sudden onset of dry cough that may be accompanied by a gurgling sound, which may then change to a wet cough with sputum. 

• Dyspnea

In some cases, the dog may experience shortness or difficulty in breathing. 

• Runny nose

The dog may have a clear liquid or purulent nasal discharge.

• Fever

The dog may have an elevated temperature, especially if it is secondary to a bacterial infection. 

• Loss of appetite

Dogs may have a loss of appetite, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. 

• Eye Discharge

The dog may have a discharge from the eyes, sometimes purulent. 

• Depression

The dog may appear tired or lethargic. 

These symptoms can be seen in different dogs and vary in severity. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment!

What are the Common Complications of Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is an infectious disease caused by a variety of pathogens that can lead to a number of complications in addition to the typical coughing symptoms that may increase your dog's suffering and affect his or her health status. Here are some common complications of kennel cough

• Laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis

These inflammatory reactions are a direct consequence of kennel cough and may lead to breathing difficulties and a persistent cough.

• Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils may lead to difficulty swallowing and increased coughing.

• Pneumonia

If the pathogen spreads to the lungs, it may cause pneumonia, a serious complication that can be life-threatening for your dog.

• Dehydration and malnutrition

Dogs may become dehydrated and malnourished due to frequent coughing and loss of appetite.

• Secondary bacterial infection

Primary viral infections may lead to a weakened respiratory defense mechanism, which can predispose the dog to secondary bacterial infections.

• Mixed Infections

Kennel cough may be mixed with other infectious diseases such as distemper, parainfluenza, herpesvirus disease, etc., resulting in complex and severe symptoms and a high mortality rate. 

• Systemic symptoms

Including elevated body temperature, depression, and loss of appetite, these symptoms indicate that the dog's overall health is compromised.

• Changes in eye and nose discharge

Increased or thickened eye discharge may occur, and nasal discharge may become more pronounced.

How to Treat Dog kennel Cough?

Treatment of kennel cough requires a combination of antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory measures, and cough suppression. Principles of treatment usually include:

• Antiviral therapy

Use of antiviral drugs such as interferon or specific antiviral drugs such as ribavirin injection to control the viral infection . 

• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Treatment with appropriate antibiotics depending on the pathogen, such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium, doxycycline, etc. Sometimes it is necessary to choose the appropriate antibiotic based on the results of drug sensitivity tests . 

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• Cough suppressant and asthma reliever

Cough suppressants such as aminophylline and ephedrine are used, as well as bronchodilators to reduce cough symptoms. 

• Supportive treatment

This includes adequate hydration, nutritional support, keeping the indoor air moist and clean, and avoiding excessive exercise. 

• Isolation and sterilization

To prevent the spread of the disease to other dogs, the affected dog should be isolated and its living environment thoroughly disinfected. 

• Monitoring and review

During the treatment period, the dog should be closely monitored for any changes in symptoms and reviewed according to the veterinarian's instructions in order to adjust the treatment plan. 

The medication and method of treatment for Kennel Cough should be decided according to the specific condition of the dog and the professional advice of the veterinarian. Patience and meticulous care during the treatment process are crucial to your dog's recovery.

How to Prevent the Spread of Kennel Cough?

To effectively prevent the spread of kennel cough, you can take the following steps:

• Vaccinations

Make sure your dog is up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including those against kennel cough, to boost his immunity. 

• Isolate newly introduced dogs

Newly introduced dogs to your home or kennel should be isolated for a period of time to avoid spreading potential pathogens to existing healthy dogs. 

• Avoid crowded environments

Try not to bring your dog into crowded or poorly ventilated environments such as pet stores, kennels or parks, which may have a higher risk of disease transmission. 

• Personal hygiene

Clean your dog's living area frequently, including eating utensils, toys and sleeping areas, and change bedding regularly. The use of appropriate disinfectants can help eliminate pathogens. 

• Monitoring health

Closely observe your dog's behavior and health, especially after they come into contact with other dogs. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as persistent coughing or difficulty breathing, isolate them immediately and consult your veterinarian. 

• Limit contact

Avoid contact with dogs known to have kennel cough, even brief contact can lead to transmission. 

By implementing these precautions, you can significantly reduce your dog's risk of contracting kennel cough and protect his health.

What is the Difference Between Kennel Cough and the Common Cold?

Differences between Kennel Cough and the Common Cold

Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) and the common cold are two different diseases that differ in their causes, symptoms, infectiousness and treatment .

Causes

1. Kennel cough is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma and other pathogens, and is highly contagious, commonly found in kennels or pet stores and other dog-intensive environments.
2. Common cold is caused by cold and is not contagious. 

Symptoms

1. Symptoms of Kennel Cough include dry cough, vomiting, sneezing, runny nose, etc. The coughing sound is shrill and harsh, and sometimes there is shortness of breath and dyspnea, and the disease lasts for a long time.
2. The symptoms of common cold include sneezing, runny nose, occasional coughing, etc. The duration of the disease is relatively short. 

Contagious

1. Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly through airborne transmission or contact with contaminated objects.
2. The common cold is less contagious and is not usually spread as widely from dog to dog as kennel cough. 

Treatment

1. Treatment of kennel cough may require a combination of antibiotics, antiviral medications, cough suppressants, and nebulization.
2. Treatment for the common cold focuses on relieving symptoms and usually does not require specific medications, but rather helps the dog to recover naturally by keeping him comfortable and well hydrated. 

In summary, Kennel Cough is a more serious and complex illness than the common cold and requires specialized veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

When to See a Veterinarian?

• Cough that continues to worsen

If your dog's cough goes from mild to frequent and severe, especially if the cough is accompanied by blood or yellow-green sputum.

• Difficulty in breathing

A dog that is wheezing, short of breath, or using abdominal breathing may be a sign of an obstructed airway.

• Loss of appetite and dehydration

The dog refuses to eat or significantly reduces the amount of food he eats, accompanied by dry mouth or loss of skin elasticity.

• Mental depression and decreased activity

The dog appears unusually tired and reluctant to move or participate in daily activities.

• Fever or abnormal body temperature

A dog with a temperature higher than normal (usually 38°C to 39°C) may indicate a secondary infection or other serious problem.

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Dogs show digestive symptoms, which may be part of the body's response to the illness and may also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

• Behavioral changes

Dogs displaying unusual behaviors such as anxiety, depression, or aggression, which may be a sign of discomfort.

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to improving the prognosis and minimizing your dog's suffering. While waiting for medical attention, try to keep your dog comfortable and quiet to avoid further stress and irritation.

How to Prepare Food for a Sick Dog?

• Choose high-quality proteins

Easily digestible proteins such as cooked chicken or fish can reduce your dog's gastrointestinal burden while providing essential nutrients. 

• Provide low-fat food

Low-fat chicken or fish can avoid increasing your dog's digestive burden while providing essential energy. 

• Add High Fiber Foods

Moderate amounts of high-fiber foods, such as cooked pumpkin or carrots, can help your dog have smooth bowel movements and reduce constipation. 

• Provide easily digestible carbohydrates

Cooked rice or millet porridge are good choices as they are easy to digest and help maintain your dog's energy levels. 

• Consider adding probiotics

Foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, can help improve your dog's intestinal flora balance and promote digestion. 

• Avoid irritating foods

Avoid feeding your dog foods that may cause allergies or irritation, such as chili peppers and raw onions. 

• Serve small portions with multiple meals

Offering small portions of food for multiple feedings can reduce your dog's digestive burden and help maintain a stable blood sugar level.

• Ensure food is fresh and hygienic

All food should be fresh and properly handled and cooked before feeding to avoid food poisoning. 

FAQs

Why Should I Avoid Feeding Dog Stimulating Foods?

Avoiding irritating foods is especially important when your dog is suffering from kennel cough, as these foods may aggravate your dog's digestive system, causing discomfort and even inducing or worsening coughing symptoms. During kennel cough, your dog's respiratory tract is already very sensitive, and irritating foods may worsen the condition by causing further irritation of the throat and airways. In addition, certain foods may interfere with the effectiveness of medications and reduce the efficiency of treatment. Therefore, to ensure that your dog can recover in a gentle environment, you should provide easily digestible, mild foods and avoid all irritating foods that may cause negative reactions.

Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs?

It is indeed possible for a cat to contract kennel cough from a dog. Kennel cough is caused by a variety of pathogens, of which Bordetella is one that is known to be transmissible between cats and dogs. Although co-morbidities between cats and dogs are uncommon, cats can be infected by Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is one of the common pathogens of kennel cough. Therefore, if a dog in the household is suffering from kennel cough, it is recommended to take appropriate isolation measures and consult a veterinarian for professional advice on prevention and treatment. The home environment should also be kept clean and disinfected regularly to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.

Can kennel cough be transmitted to humans?

Kennel cough is primarily a canine illness, but in rare cases, Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect humans, especially those with compromised immune systems.

How Long is A Dog Contagious With Kennel Cough?

Dogs with kennel cough can be contagious for 2-3 weeks after symptoms appear. Isolate infected dogs to prevent spreading the illness.

Can Vaccinated Dogs Still Get Kennel Cough?

Even if a dog is vaccinated, it is still possible to develop kennel cough. This is because kennel cough is caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and vaccines usually only provide protection against one or more of these pathogens. For example, Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main bacteria that cause kennel cough, but vaccines may only target certain strains of this bacterium and the protective effect may be temporary. 

In addition, the extent and durability of a vaccine's protection may affect its effectiveness against kennel cough. The protection provided by some vaccines may be limited to a few months, and a dog may also become infected if it encounters a new mutated strain not covered by the vaccine after vaccination. Therefore, even if dogs are vaccinated, they may still develop the disease when exposed to other unprotected pathogens. 

To reduce the risk of kennel cough, it is recommended that the decision to vaccinate be based on the dog's lifestyle and exposure risk, and that regular vaccinations be followed as recommended by your veterinarian. Vaccination is especially important for dogs that regularly interact with other dogs or are sent to daycare centers. Nonetheless, even with these precautions, dogs can still contract kennel cough, especially in high-density group settings. 

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Been Exposed to Kennel Cough?

Monitor for symptoms and consult your veterinarian for advice. Isolation from other dogs and supportive care can help manage potential illness.

Can Dogs Die From Kennel Cough?

It is indeed possible for a dog to die from kennel cough, although this is relatively rare. Kennel cough is usually caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, but it can also be caused by other pathogens such as viruses. In most cases, kennel cough is treatable and does not cause serious health problems. However, if left untreated, especially in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems, kennel cough can develop into more serious conditions such as bronchopneumonia, which can be life-threatening. 

In some extreme cases, if the condition worsens, the dog may experience high fever, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite, all of which can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if your dog shows signs of kennel cough, such as a persistent dry or wet cough, vomiting, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment and proper management can help control the condition, reduce the risk of complications, and increase the cure rate.

Conclusion

Kennel cough is a common but manageable condition in dogs. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you can take proactive steps to protect your dog from this contagious disease. Regular vaccinations, good hygiene practices, and prompt medical attention when needed will help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.