What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, otherwise known as canine cough, canine croup, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, canine parainfluenza infection, canine Bordetella bronchiseptica infection and even, 'canine whooping cough' is a common respiratory disease affecting dogs, and related canine species, all around the world. Kennel cough is a highly contagious canine illness characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by viral infections such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, or canine respiratory coronavirus, or bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough can be a highly infectious disease and spreads quickly among dogs, such as in the close quarters of a kennel. However, it is rarely serious when it strikes. Both viral and bacterial causes of kennel cough are spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. It is highly contagious, even days or weeks after symptoms disappear. Symptoms begin usually 3 to 5 days after exposure. The disease can progress to pneumonia.Pet owners are advised to give their dogs the right amount of care and attention that they deserve whenever they are sick with kennel cough. This is because Kennel cough may degenerate to a more serious health concern if not treated early on. Kennel cough in dogs can be likened to a mild case of influenza in humans.
The viral organisms implicated in canine infectious tracheobronchitis (including the ones we vaccinate against) are quite specific to the canine family of animals. These respiratory dog viruses do not tend to infect animal species outside of the canine family. For example, humans will not catch kennel cough viruses from their canine pets and nor will they pass on their own viral 'flus' to their dog.
Symptoms
The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. Other symptoms include a harsh, dry hacking/coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise. The presence of a fever varies from case to case. The disease can last initially from 10-20 days and can re-break when the dog is put into a stressful situation which puts stress on the dog's immune system. Diagnosis is made by seeing these symptoms; having a history of exposure is also helpful but not always found, as kennel cough is easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces such as the ground, toys, and sidewalks.
Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.
Dogs having kennel cough, probably will not lose their appetite or have a decreased energy level.
Treatment and prevention
Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive (nothing is being coughed up). Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. Most kennels will not board dogs without proof of vaccination.
