Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common occurrence among dogs, and the cause can be linked to more than one microorganism. The most common kennel cough symptoms include a repetitive hacking sound as well as nasal discharge. It might seem that your dog is suffering from hairballs or just has something stuck in its throat. While the sound of the actual dog cough can vary, this illness is linked to the close proximity of other dogs, thus earning the name "kennel cough."

There are multiple causes of kennel cough, one of which is the bacteria bordetella. Other than the repetitive coughing sound, dog owners should also look for:

Inability to eat/lack of appetite

Listless/lethargic

Fever

These symptoms can evolve if the illness goes untreated or if the dog has a weaker immunity. Puppies are generally at greater risk for developing a canine cough. Though it is also possible that the dog might play and act normally, despite infection. Kennel cough treatment may involve the use of antibiotics and also cough suppressants, depending on the severity of infection. Kennel cough can be prevented by keeping your dog away from close proximity to other dogs, as well as a routine bordetella vaccine, which is given through the nose.

It is also important to know the difference between heartworm and kennel cough, since heartworm and kennel cough share many of the same symptoms. If you suspect your dog might have one of these two illnesses, the first thing the vet will ask is if your dog has recently been around any other dogs. If the answer is yes, then it is a good chance that the dog is suffering from kennel cough, which can come on suddenly, equivalent to that of a human cold. Incubation can be anywhere from a few days to two weeks. If the vet suspects heartworm, he or she will likely ask if the dog has been regularly treated for heartworm in the past. An x-ray can also be taken of the dog's chest.

The vet can also take a culture swab for the bordetella
bacteria, though if the swab does not test positive, this does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of kennel cough. Multiple viruses such as the canine herpes virus and the parainfluenza virus (among others) have also been shown to cause the illness. It is also very possible that the dog could be infected with more than one microorganism.

Kennel cough is a self-limiting illness, and will usually exhaust itself after two to three weeks. Young dogs and those dogs with weaker immunity are at greater risk for suffering the more severe side effects.

The best way of preventing kennel cough is to minimize the contact your dog makes with other dogs. Regular bordetella booster vaccinations as well as good sanitation in the kennel environment can also aid in minimizing the spread of infection.