Is Kennel Cough Deadly and What You Need to Know

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It's not usually a cause for concern, but in severe cases, it can lead to complications.

Kennel cough is caused by a virus or bacteria, often Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. This is why it's often seen in dogs that are in close proximity to each other, such as in kennels or dog daycare centers.

Symptoms of kennel cough can vary from mild to severe and may include a persistent cough, runny nose, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia or other secondary infections.

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Infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a mild disease that normally improves on its own, but it can progress to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies or to chronic bronchitis in weakened, ill, or aged dogs.

The most common sign of kennel cough is spasms of harsh, dry coughing, which may be followed by retching and gagging.

Affected dogs typically have few if any additional signs except for some loss of appetite. Body temperature and white blood cell counts usually remain normal.

Chest x-rays are important to determine the severity of the disease and to rule out other causes of coughing.

In most cases, affected dogs should not be hospitalized because the disease is highly contagious and because it generally improves on its own.

Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs, caused by a variety of viral and bacterial organisms. The most common causes include Bordetella and parainfluenza, as well as canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine influenza.

Symptoms of kennel cough can vary, but typically include a persistent, forceful cough, often described as a choking sound or a "honking" sound. A runny nose, discharge from the eyes, sneezing, and lethargy are also common symptoms.

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The incubation period for kennel cough is usually between two and 10 days, with symptoms appearing two to three days after exposure. However, in some cases, it can take up to four weeks for signs to be noted, especially with canine distemper.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of kennel cough:

In more severe cases, dogs may experience a fever, trouble breathing, and a loss of appetite. These symptoms tend to occur in unvaccinated dogs, dogs with weak immune systems, or dogs with other illnesses.

Diagnosing kennel cough can be done through a physical exam and history of exposure.

A veterinarian may massage your dog's larynx or trachea to elicit the characteristic cough.

If your dog is showing severe symptoms, a veterinarian may run diagnostic tests such as an X-ray or blood test.

These tests can help determine if your dog has developed pneumonia or other diseases as a result of kennel cough.

Some dogs can fight off kennel cough on their own without medical intervention, but it's always a good idea to have your dog treated by a vet as soon as possible to minimize the worst symptoms.

Most dogs will be prescribed an antibiotic to speed up the recovery process, which can take about three weeks. Antibiotics can also prevent progression to more serious disease, such as pneumonia.

If your dog's symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks, it's a good idea to visit your vet again.

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If left untreated, kennel cough can develop into something worse, such as pneumonia.

Antibiotics are often prescribed by vets to speed up the recovery process and minimize symptoms, and most dogs will be back to full health in just three weeks.

You should isolate your dog from all other household pets because kennel cough is a highly contagious disease.

A vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic if your dog has a fever, is very lethargic, has yellow or green discharge, isn't eating, or the cough is getting worse instead of better after a few days.

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Dogs will typically clear the infection themselves in 10 to 14 days, but it's still recommended to take them to a vet to make sure no other interventions are needed.

If your dog is acting fine otherwise and the cough is not worsening, you can wait before doing any treatment, but it's still a good idea to consult with a vet first.

A nebulizer can be used to help keep your dog's airway moist, and can be especially helpful if your dog is having trouble clearing their infection.

Most dogs are not contagious after 10 to 14 days of being ill, especially if antibiotics are used in bacterial infections.

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The cost of treating kennel cough can be a significant expense, ranging from $75 to $200, which includes the examination and medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Antibiotics, suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medicines are typically prescribed to treat kennel cough, but if your dog requires more extensive testing, the price may be higher.

Diagnostic tests like blood work or x-rays can add $200 to $500 to the overall cost.

Preventing kennel cough through vaccination is often more cost-effective than treating the illness.

The bordetella vaccine averages about $10 to $15 for a one-time vaccination or $20 to $30 for two vaccinations.

The parainfluenza shot costs between $7 to $32.

The DA2PP vaccine, which protects against kennel cough and several other diseases, typically costs $20 to $60 per vaccine, with the series costing around $150 on average.

Add examination fees, which can range from $40 to $75, and the total cost of vaccination can add up.

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For most cases of kennel cough, the prognosis is very good, with most dogs recovering on their own within 10 days.

However, some dogs are at higher risk for complications and a poorer prognosis, such as puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions.

Kennel cough can lead to pneumonia complications, which can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases.

Dogs with concurrent respiratory disease, such as a collapsing trachea or upper airway constrictions, also have a poorer prognosis.

Additionally, brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, need to be treated more aggressively due to their compromised airway.

Dogs with weak immune systems, such as those with cancer or immune-mediated disease, also have a more guarded prognosis.

In some cases, kennel cough can be caused by a more serious infectious agent, such as Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, which can be fatal if left untreated.

On the other hand, dogs vaccinated for the CIRD pathogens have a much better prognosis, with vaccination reducing the duration and severity of the disease.

Even after symptoms clear up, dogs can remain infectious for up to 14 days, so it's essential to check with your veterinarian before reintroducing your recovering pup to other dogs.