Is your dog experiencing a persistent cough? It could be kennel cough, a common condition that affects many dogs worldwide. Check out this post on 'Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Signs, Treatment, and Prevention' to learn about the symptoms, causes, and ways you can keep your pup safe from this contagious disease.
What is Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough is a disease that affects the respiratory system of dogs. It is caused due to inflammation of the trachea or windpipe. Though kennel cough is a mild, self-limiting disease; it may progress to bronchopneumonia in puppies or chronic bronchitis in debilitated adult or aged dogs.
Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
There are multiple organisms that are responsible for causing Kennel cough in dogs. Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica and viruses like canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus cause kennel cough. It is a highly contagious disease that transmits through air droplets when infected dogs cough, sneeze, or even breathe in close proximity. It can also spread on sharing water bowls or from infected surfaces commonly at places like kennels, dog parks, or grooming centres.
Clinical Signs of Kennel Cough in Dogs
The prominent clinical sign of kennel cough is a cough that sounds like a "goose honk" - prominently known as “honking cough” that may be followed by retching and gagging. The cough is easily induced by gentle palpation of the larynx or trachea. Eventually, you may notice the development of more severe signs including:
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Purulent nasal discharge
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Anorexia
‘Wet cough’ which contains phlegm is indicative of bronchopneumonia. Stress, particularly due to adverse environmental conditions and improper nutrition contributes to a relapse during recovery.
Diagnosis of Kennel Cough in Dogs
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History and clinical signs
Kennel cough can be suspected when the dry or wet cough suddenly develops 5-10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs. Severity usually diminishes during the first 5 days, but the disease persists for 10-20 days. Tracheal trauma caused due to intubation may produce a similar but less severe syndrome.
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Radiography
Thoracic radiographs are essential to determine the severity of the disease and to exclude other causes of cough. Radiography is normal in dogs with cough. IEvidence of alveolar disease can be found if the disease has progressed to pneumonia.
Treatment of Kennel Cough in Dogs
It is majorly a self-limiting disease that resolves on its own, but you can opt for the following treatment options by consulting your vet:
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Supportive therapy
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Antimicrobial therapy (only if indicated by culture and sensitivity)
Dogs with a cough only often do not require hospitalization. If a dog requires hospitalization, it is isolated from other animals in the hospital. Antibiotics are usually not needed unless there is evidence of pneumonia.
Prevention of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Preventive vaccination, called Bordetella is available for both puppies and adult dogs. However, it is not included in core vaccines; meaning in general it is not life-threatening. The intranasal (nose spray) version of the Bordetella vaccine is most commonly used. An injectable form and an oral (administered by mouth) form are also available. One advantage of the intranasal Bordetella vaccine is that it has a fast onset of immunity within 48-72 hours.
Most veterinarians recommend the first intranasal or intraoral Bordetella vaccine between eight and 14 weeks of age. The initial vaccine may need to be repeated within 2-4 weeks for full immunisation, depending on the age of the puppy at the time of vaccination and the type of vaccine used.
Conclusion
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affect dogs. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take proactive measures to protect your dog. Early detection and treatment are key to ensuring a fast recovery. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect. By staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and considering kennel cough treatment, you can minimize the risk of kennel cough and keep your furry friend happy and healthy!
