Kennel Cough Bacteria in Dogs: Prevention, Treatment, and Vaccination

Kennel cough bacteria can be a real nuisance for dog owners, causing persistent coughing and discomfort for their furry friends.

The most common bacteria responsible for kennel cough in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Preventing kennel cough is key, and one of the best ways to do this is by keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Vaccination is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time in dog parks, kennels, or other areas where they may be exposed to infected dogs.

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Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages, but is most common in puppies and young adult dogs.

It's caused by a combination of bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is responsible for the majority of kennel cough cases.

Kennel Cough is highly contagious and can spread quickly through the air, as well as through direct contact with an infected dog's saliva, mucus, or vomit.

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The bacteria can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours, making it easy to spread to other dogs.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough typically develop within 5-10 days of exposure to the bacteria and can include a persistent cough, runny nose, and loss of appetite.

The cough is often described as a honking or hacking sound and can be accompanied by a loud, wheezing sound when the dog breathes out.

In severe cases, Kennel Cough can lead to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

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If your furry friend is showing symptoms of kennel cough, it's essential to recognize the signs. The classic symptom is a persistent, forceful cough that sounds like a goose honk.

This cough is distinct from a reverse sneeze, which can be normal in certain dogs and breeds. Reverse sneezes usually only indicate post-nasal drip or a slight throat irritation.

Some dogs with kennel cough may exhibit other symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

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A diagnosis of kennel cough can be made based on the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy. In some cases, diagnostic testing is recommended, especially if pneumonia is suspected or if an outbreak is occurring in multiple dogs.

Diagnostic testing is usually only needed in the following situations:

The prominent clinical sign of kennel cough is a cough that sounds like a "goose honk" that may be followed by retching and gagging.

Treating kennel cough typically involves keeping your dog away from other animals and consulting your veterinarian. If your dog has kennel cough, they may be prescribed antibiotics to target the Bordetella bacteria, as well as cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Antibiotics like amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, trimethoprim-sulfa drugs, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, or minocycline may be used to treat kennel cough, but should only be selected after culture and sensitivity tests.

To minimize the risk of kennel cough, vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica is generally recommended. You can ask dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, or other dog owners about their vaccine requirements to ensure your pet is protected.

Here are some common forms of kennel cough vaccines:

These vaccines may help protect your dog against kennel cough, but they do not guarantee protection against all forms of the disease.

If your dog has kennel cough, keeping them away from other animals is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.

Most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, but medications may be used to speed recovery or minimize symptoms.

Antibiotics targeting the Bordetella bacteria can be prescribed, as well as cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Using a harness instead of a collar can help minimize coughing, especially for dogs that strain against a leash.

To minimize symptoms, you can also keep your dog in a well-humidified area.

If your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian.

If your dog has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away.

Here are some antibiotics that may be prescribed if your dog requires hospitalization:

Preventing kennel cough is crucial to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Vaccination is a key part of prevention, and it's recommended to immunize your dog against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the common causes of kennel cough.

To minimize the risk of kennel cough, make sure to ask about vaccine requirements when looking for doggy play date partners, grooming facilities, or daycare facilities. This will help ensure that the dogs your pup will be in contact with are also vaccinated.

Dogs should be vaccinated initially at 6-8 weeks, with two more doses given at 3-4 week intervals until they're 14-16 weeks old. Revaccination should be done annually, and a combination of avirulent B bronchiseptica and modified-live parainfluenza vaccine is available for intranasal use.

If you live in an area where the risk of B bronchiseptica infection is significant, consider using a live, avirulent, intranasal vaccine or parenteral products containing subunit bacterial extracts. This can provide additional protection against kennel cough.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to preventing kennel cough:

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected underneath the skin, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, and one that can be given by mouth.

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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.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but this preventative measure may help keep your pet protected.

You should ask about vaccine requirements when looking for grooming facilities, daycare facilities, or general doggy play date partners.

Dogs that have a brachycephalic face with a smushed-looking nose (like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs) are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine.

The kennel cough vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing the disease, but it can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Dogs that are frequently boarded, visit dog daycare, compete in canine sports, or otherwise are exposed to groups of dogs may benefit from the vaccine.

The bordetella vaccine on its own may not prevent your dog from catching kennel cough, as some cases are caused by other germs.

You should speak with your veterinarian to see if the kennel cough vaccination makes sense for your dog, especially if you notice your pet coughing or plan to introduce your dog to a group of new dogs.