Kennel Cough

We’ve all had that annoying and painful hacking cough before…but have you ever heard your dog do it?  No, your dog did not catch your cold…but he may have caught his own type of “cold”!  If you’re a dog owner, you have probably heard of kennel cough before, especially if you ever take your dog to a grooming or boarding facility.  If your dog is hacking or making constant noises that sound like they are choking, they may have a case of kennel cough, or as it is also known, canine infectious tracheobronchitis. 

There are actually multiple causes of kennel cough, but one of the most common is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica.  This is why kennel cough is also sometimes referred to as Bordetella.  Often times though, dogs that become infected with this bacterium are also infected with a virus at the same time.  These viruses that are known to make dogs more susceptible to contracting the bacterium, Bordetella, include canine adenovirus, canine distemper, canine herpes, parainfluenza, and canine reovirus. 

A dog’s respiratory tract is normally lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles.  Dogs catch kennel cough when this protection is weakened, and then the dog inhales bacteria or virus particles into the respiratory tract.  Factors that may weaken the mucus coating of protection may include cold temperatures, exposure to dust or smoke, stress, and exposure to crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions that are sometimes found in kennels, shelters, and grooming facilities.

Symptoms include the aforementioned deep, hacking cough, but some dogs will also present with sneezing, runny nose, or eye discharge.  Kennel cough is very contagious.  If you notice these symptoms, keep them away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian. 

It is important to call your veterinarian with your concerns before just walking in to the clinic with your dog.  Because of how contagious this virus is, the veterinary staff may have you use a different entrance if possible and put your dog in a secluded area away from other dogs.  This will limit the exposure to others.  Antibiotics that target the Bordetella bacteria may be paired with cough medicines to speed up the recovery process as well as make your dog more comfortable.  Just be aware that the antibiotics won’t help with any underlying viruses. Keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness vs. a collar to minimize strain on the dog’s neck may also help. 

Most dogs with no underlying conditions will recover completely within a few weeks.  It may take a little longer for older dogs or those with other medical conditions.  Make sure to follow up with your veterinarian to be sure the infection doesn’t lead to pneumonia or other health issues.

There are three forms of vaccine used in prevention against kennel cough:  an injectable, an intranasal, and an oral form.  These vaccines do not guarantee your dog will not be infected, but they certainly help; so much so that most boarding or grooming facilities will require and ask to see proof of annual vaccine administration.  The vaccination, however, will not treat active kennel cough infections.  

In conclusion, if your dog is constantly coughing…and especially if he has been around other dogs or to a boarding or grooming facility as of recent…call your veterinarian right away!