Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is an infection and inflammation of a dog’s windpipe (trachea) and bronchi. A dog with this infection will have a cough that can be anything from a soft, muffled ruff to a dry, high-pitched honk. Most of the time the cough is followed by a loud retch, which can be mistaken for your dog needing to vomit or having something stuck in the throat.
The disease is called kennel cough because dogs housed closely together – typically in boarding kennels – easily catch it if one of them has the infection. This is transmitted through the air (being coughed at) and by contact with areas that have been contaminated. Dogs can also easily catch this infection at pet shops, shelters and training classes, or from another dog at a casual meet during their daily walks.
It can take between 3 to 10 days for symptoms to develop. Dogs often cough for weeks. Kennel cough can occasionally cause long-term bronchitis.
Any dog is at risk of this disease, but most at risk are puppies and senior dogs, as well as adult dogs with respiratory problems or other chronic illnesses.
Causes
- Viral – Adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, reovirus, distemper virus, herpesvirus
- Bacterial – Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Mycoplasma
- Other infectious agents such as fungal, parasites
Generally, kennel cough begins with injury to the lining of the windpipe via a viral infection, followed by invasion of the damaged tissue by a bacteria or other infectious agents, causing further injury and symptoms.
Symptoms
Typically:
- Dry, loud, honking cough
- Appears to retch or vomit up some foam
- Looks like there is something stuck in the throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Runny nose and sneezing
In severe cases:
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Fever
- Difficult breathing
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian do the following to diagnose the problem:
- Ask questions about your dog’s medical history, symptoms, recent exposure to other coughing dogs or time at kennels
- Perform a physical examination and check for windpipe sensitivity
If the symptoms appear severe then:
- X-rays of the chest should be taken to check for pneumonia
- Blood tests – Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry
Treatment
- Cough suppressants
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Limit exercise and provide plenty of rest
- Replace collars with a harness to decrease airway irritation
Kennel cough caused by a virus tends to “run its course” much like a human cold, typically within 10-14 days.
To prevent further spread of kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least one week.
Prevention
- Keep up to date with vaccinations
- Avoid socializing with coughing dogs
- Avoid going to kennels, especially if your dog is at high risk
- Ensure your dog has optimum health levels to combat sickness – i Love Dogs’ Multivitamin with Green Tea and Reishi will help