Kennel Cough in Dogs

One of the common causes of Kennel Cough is a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, that is the reason why kennel cough is medically known as Bordetella.

If this bacteria is the sole reason behind the disease, then the symptoms would last for only 10 days and then subside on its own. However, your dog could still spread the disease for the next 6-14 weeks.

In most cases, kennel cough is caused by a combination of both the Bordetella bacteria and another highly infectious virus such as Canine Distemper or Canine Influenza.

The extra viruses not only weaken the dog’s immune system, but they further attack the cells in the respiratory tract infecting the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voicebox).

Kennel Cough can spread:

• Through air: When an infected dog coughs, sneezes or even barks, he/she discharges thousands of microscopic contaminants into the air which can remain alive in the air with the potency to infect for up to two weeks.
• Through contaminated objects: The water bowl, chew sticks and toys of an infected dog are filled with bacteria and are potent enough to spread the infection to any dog which comes in contact with them within 48 hours.
• Through direct contact with diseased animals: Your dog may catch the infection even by touching noses, sniffing other dogs, or just breathing the same air as a dog with Kennel Cough.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough could present as:

• Persistent honking and hacking dry cough: The cough is constant, persistent, and can be unsettling. Some dogs may experience an episode of vigorous coughing every few minutes, whereas others may be coughing throughout the day.
• Choking actions: Some owners may describe the cough as gagging or feeling as if something is stuck in their dogs’ throats. A dog may show signs like these like this because of an inflamed trachea.
• Different from reverse sneeze: A reverse sneeze is often mistaken for a cough, sneezing or an episode of choking. A reverse sneeze represents a post-nasal drip or tickle in the throat.
• Fever and lethargy
• Nasal discharge: A white or cloudy discharge from the nose indicates secondary infection.

The diagnosis of Kennel Cough is based on the clinical symptoms that your dog shows. Your veterinarian may ask for some blood chemistry tests or a complete blood cell count to find out infection markers in them.

The vet may also ask for urine culture and faecal examinations for finding the bacteria. Chest X-rays could be done to look for congestion or any other abnormality.

Most dogs with Kennel Cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions.

A mild case of Kennel Cough goes away on its own with rest for a week or two, but your veterinarian may prescribe some antibiotics to prevent secondary infection and cough medication to ease the symptoms of your dog.

In severe cases, treatment may include administration of antibiotics, cough suppressants and inhalant medications to help your dog breathe easily. 

Usually, the traditional collar used for dogs puts pressure on the already sensitive and irritated tracheal tissues which can induce coughing episodes. If possible, a harness rather than a collar should be used for leash walking of your diseased dog.

A persistent Kennel Cough infection can cause pneumonia, so you must take your dog to a vet for a follow-up if it doesn't improve within the stipulated recovery time.

Prevention is always better than cure. Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccination is given to your dog to protect it from illness associated with the Bordetella bacteria. Healthy adult dogs that come into contact with large groups of other dogs in a daycare, dog parks or training classes must have a Bordetella vaccine annually.

An intranasal vaccine is also available in addition to the Bordetella injectable vaccine, which is dripped or squirted into the nose. The vaccine produces antibodies in the respiratory tract, where they are ready to attack the germs before they enter the body. This vaccine is not recommended for every dog; the veterinarian decides whether or not your dog requires this vaccine.