Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a relatively nonspecific phrase that can refer to a number of underlying causes. My dog was fully vaccinated and still contracted kennel cough—how could this happen? Despite its shortcomings, there is evidence that the Bordetella vaccine can help decrease the overall number and severity of infections.
A naturally occurring infection does not provide immunity against future infections. In cases where symptoms appear mild, additional testing is often not performed. However, in cases where the dog is lethargic, has a fever or lack of appetite, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostics such as blood work, chest radiographs and sample submission. My dog has not spent time in a boarding kennel—how could he have kennel cough? Many causes of respiratory infections are extremely contagious, and dogs can become exposed via close contact with another infected dog in a variety of settings including dog parks, daycare facilities and training classes.
These facilities attempt to limit the spread of infection by requiring proof of vaccination and directing owners of symptomatic animals to keep their dogs at home.
Many viruses and bacteria like B. Animals with kennel cough will otherwise act and eat normally. Exercise or getting excited can make symptoms worse. Diagnosis If you think your dog has kennel cough, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Because there's no specific test for kennel cough, it's a diagnosis of exclusion. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to exclude other causes of a nonproductive cough, such as heart disease, fungal and parasitic infections like heartworm disease, a collapsing trachea, and cancer.
Dogs with kennel cough usually have a history of exposure, i. Based on the examination and history, your veterinarian will determine whether they suspect kennel cough. Treatment Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.
In very mild cases, no medications are given since the disease is self-limiting and will run its course, much like a human cold. Canine influenza virus. When dogs cough, infectious droplets spread through the air, infecting nearby dogs. Contaminated objects like food and water bowls, toys, bedding, and clothing can also spread the disease through direct contact. Exposure to the disease commonly occurs in places where dogs congregate, like boarding facilities, doggie daycares, dog parks, and grooming salons.
Veterinarians diagnose kennel cough in dogs based on clinical signs, like coughing, and a history of recent exposure to other dogs. There are no laboratory tests to specifically confirm kennel cough. Luckily, most dogs recover from kennel cough on their own with mild supportive care. Antibiotics are usually not required for uncomplicated infections. Complicated cases of kennel cough, however, can require more advanced care. Antibiotics may be administered, and dogs with pneumonia could require hospitalization in an isolation ward.
Fluids, oxygen, and inhalation therapies may also be given for more severe cases. Most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own within 10 to 20 days. There is no single cure for kennel cough, as it is typically caused by a combination of viral and bacterial agents, but some medications may be prescribed, depending on the case, to keep your dog comfortable and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Kennel cough is highly contagious among dogs. If your dog has kennel cough, try to keep him completely separated from other dogs, both in the household and out in public, and isolate his food and water bowls, bedding, and toys as well. Wash your hands and clothes immediately after handling your dog or his belongings.
Kennel cough and its triggers are not usually contagious for humans, but there is one exception: bordetella bronchiseptica can be transmitted from dogs to immunocompromised people. Although Kennel Cough can sound terrible and the cough can be very forceful, even causing them to bring up phlegm, most of the time it is not a serious condition. Please always check with a Vet and never self medicate using human drugs. As Kennel Cough is highly contagious to other dogs, it is advised that you keep your dog away from other dogs for around two weeks, but this can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Generally dogs recover completely within three weeks, although can be longer in older dogs, puppies or sick patients. Ongoing kennel cough can occasionally lead to chest infections or pneumonia, so if the symptoms worsen or are not resolving, make sure you take your dog back to see the Vet. If you are worried about kennel cough, especially during the winter months, you can take precautions.
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