Can Kennel Cough Kill a Dog and What You Need to Know

Kennel cough is a serious respiratory infection that affects dogs, and it's essential to understand its risks. Kennel cough can be caused by various bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can lead to pneumonia.

In severe cases, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. According to the article, "pneumonia is a common complication of kennel cough, and it can be fatal if left untreated."

Dogs with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or chronic respiratory issues, are more susceptible to complications from kennel cough. If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or lethargy, seek veterinary attention immediately.

If this caught your attention, see: Kennel Cough Pneumonia

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or infectious tracheobronchitis. It's a common cause of coughing in dogs, especially those that have been to the groomer, a boarding facility, or dog parks.

Dogs can develop kennel cough approximately two to 14 days after exposure, and it presents as a dry, hacking cough that may sound like something is stuck in their throat. Some pet parents describe the cough as a honk, while others say it's more of a sharp, puffing cough that won't stop.

Many cases of kennel cough can resolve on their own with supportive care at home, but it can progress to life-threatening pneumonia in others. If your dog is showing signs of pneumonia, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and a greenish-yellow discharge from their nose, take them to a vet immediately.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs that can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to other dogs at the groomer, boarding facility, or dog parks.

The symptoms of kennel cough can range from mild to severe and may include a persistent, forceful cough that sounds like a goose honk, sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

A strong cough, often with a "honking" sound, is the most obvious symptom of kennel cough, and it can be accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, low fever, or other symptoms.

In some cases, kennel cough can progress to life-threatening pneumonia in dogs, especially those with weak immune systems, such as puppies, or dogs with other illnesses.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

It's essential to recognize the symptoms of kennel cough, as it can be a sign of a more serious disease, such as canine distemper virus or canine influenza virus, which can have similar symptoms.

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Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease is a common cause of coughing in dogs. It's highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, or by coming into contact with infected objects.

The disease can be caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza, and canine adenovirus. These pathogens can be found in crowded areas, like animal shelters, boarding kennels, and dog parks.

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Dogs can develop kennel cough approximately two to 14 days after exposure. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening pneumonia, and some dogs may require emergency veterinary care if they show signs of pneumonia.

A diagnosis of CIRD can usually be made based on clinical signs alone, but a chest X-ray may be taken to rule out pneumonia. In some cases, a culture or swab of the dog's upper airway may be taken to determine the underlying cause.

Here are some common causes of CIRD:

It's essential to recognize the symptoms of kennel cough and seek veterinary care if your dog is showing signs of pneumonia, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and a greenish-yellow discharge from their nose.

A diagnosis for kennel cough can be made based on the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy. Identifying the underlying bacteria or virus is typically not needed.

Veterinarians may recommend diagnostic testing if a dog shows signs of pneumonia, doesn't respond to supportive care, or has systemic disease. This includes testing for underlying bacteria or viruses.

In mild cases, treatment may only include supportive care, focusing on rest, nutrition, and hydration. This can help keep the dog's airways moist and reduce the frequency of coughing.

A cough suppressant may be prescribed by the veterinarian to help reduce the cough, but it's essential to note that coughing is a way to expel mucous and infectious agents, so decreasing the cough can be counterproductive.

Here are some common treatment options for kennel cough:

It's essential to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time or shows signs of more serious conditions.

Diagnosing CIRDC typically starts with a visit to the veterinarian. If you suspect your dog might have CIRDC, it's a good idea to call your veterinary clinic first to describe any signs you've noticed.

Most dogs with mild CIRDC will improve fairly quickly, so there's no need for diagnostic tests in those cases. Your veterinarian will make a "presumptive" diagnosis of CIRDC by thoroughly examining your dog for signs of illness, ruling out other causes of cough, and asking questions about exposure to other dogs or multiple-dog settings.

Your veterinarian may also know about other cases of CIRDC in the area, which can strengthen suspicions. This is especially helpful if you've recently taken your dog to a dog park or daycare where other dogs have been ill.

Diagnostic testing is recommended when multiple dogs are affected (as in outbreaks), or if your dog seems to be getting worse despite supportive treatment. In those cases, your veterinarian will collect swab samples from the throat, nose, and/or edges of the eyes and submit those samples for lab testing to confirm infection and identify the specific bacteria/viruses involved.

Here are some situations where diagnostic testing is recommended:

Less commonly, blood tests may be recommended.

CIRDC is a contagious respiratory disease that can affect dogs, and while there's no special drug to treat it, the approach depends on how sick your dog is. Most mildly affected dogs will quickly make a full recovery with basic supportive care aimed at avoiding situations that promote coughing and irritate airways.

This means encouraging the dog to rest and avoiding excitement and neck leashes, as these can exacerbate the condition. If your dog is mildly affected, you can try keeping them in a well-humidified area, such as the bathroom while you shower, to help keep their airways moist.

Dogs with more severe illness may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce fever and inflammation) and fluids (to treat dehydration). In some cases, dogs may also need intensive supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation.

Here are some common signs that indicate a dog needs more aggressive treatment:

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian for further guidance and treatment.

If your dog is coughing, it's not just a simple cold - there are many potential causes. Fungal infections can be picked up in dirt or through the air, and prescription medications can help. Heartworms, spread by mosquitos, can also cause coughing, and treatment is available but can be expensive and hard on your pet.

Some common causes of coughing in dogs include fungal infections, heartworms, distemper, heart disease, and lung problems. Distemper, a serious virus, can be prevented with a vaccine.

Here are some specific causes of coughing in dogs:

It's worth noting that some causes of coughing in dogs are more common in certain breeds, such as small dogs like Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, and Chihuahuas, which are more prone to tracheal collapse.

Prevention and Vaccination is key to protecting your dog from kennel cough. There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one injected underneath the skin, one delivered as a nasal mist, and one given by mouth.

The intranasal and oral kennel cough vaccinations are typically given to dogs once a year, but sometimes are recommended every 6 months for dogs at high risk for kennel cough. These forms of the vaccine tend to provide dogs protection against kennel cough sooner than the injected product.

While vaccination is not a guarantee against kennel cough, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica is generally recommended to help minimize the risk of your pet getting kennel cough.

Dogs that have a brachycephalic face with a smushed-looking nose, such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs, are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine. These breeds are more likely to struggle with recovering from respiratory diseases with their compromised airways.

The vaccine comes in many forms, with an oral liquid being one of the most popular. This form is very safe with little side effects and no injection with a needle required.

Here are some additional tips to help protect your dog against kennel cough:

CIRDC is contagious before dogs show signs, making it difficult to control and leading to outbreaks, especially in multiple-dog settings.

Dogs can catch CIRDC through close or direct contact with infected dogs, such as licking or nuzzling, or by breathing in cough or sneeze droplets from infected dogs.

The risk of infection is especially high when dogs are in close contact with other infected dogs for long periods of time, such as in boarding kennels or dog daycare facilities.

Some CIRDC-associated organisms are hardy and can survive in the environment for weeks, making controlling the spread of infection even more challenging.

Dogs can also catch CIRDC by exposure to droplet-contaminated items such as toys, bedding, people's hands, or water bowls.

To stop the disease from spreading, it's essential to keep infected dogs away from other dogs until they're fully recovered.

Only one CIRDC-associated organism, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can infect people, and cases of dog-to-human transmission are extremely rare.