Kennel Cough Diarrhea in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Kennel cough diarrhea in dogs can be a real challenge for pet owners.

The symptoms of kennel cough diarrhea often include vomiting, lethargy, and a decrease in appetite.

The most common causes of kennel cough diarrhea are Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus.

Kennel cough diarrhea can be contagious and spread quickly among dogs in close proximity.

The duration of kennel cough diarrhea can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual dog and the severity of the infection.

Causes of kennel cough diarrhea are often linked to upper respiratory tract infections in dogs, which can be caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses and bacteria.

Some of the most common causes of infectious cough in dogs include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine influenza. These viruses can spread quickly in moist, warm environments with poor ventilation, such as kennels or shelters.

Exposure to one of these pathogens can happen in a matter of seconds, even during a quick meeting at a dog park, and can lead to infection.

If this caught your attention, see: Kennel Cough vs Canine Influenza

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease can be caused by a range of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.

Some common causes of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine influenza.

Dogs are more likely to be infected in a moist, warm environment with poor ventilation, such as a kennel or shelter.

Even a quick meeting at a dog park can be enough to transmit the infection.

Symptoms of the dog flu include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

Most cases of the dog flu aren't fatal, but it's essential to keep an eye out for symptoms and see your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

Your veterinarian may ask you to wait outside with your dog to reduce the chance of spread.

Most dogs recover from the dog flu within seven to 21 days, but quarantine restrictions are necessary to prevent further spread.

On a similar theme: Shih Tzu Bloated Stomach Symptoms

Vaccines are available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of the flu.

To diagnose CIRD, most veterinarians can rely on clinical signs alone, but they might take chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia.

A culture of the dog's upper airway can be taken to identify bacteria, but this typically requires sedation.

A swab of the dog's nose and deep throat can be sent for PCR tests to look for genetic material of the underlying cause, which is a more affordable and relatively quick option.

Dogs can pick up parasites in a range of ways, including from another dog's stool and contaminated soil.

Worms are a common type of parasite that can be passed from one dog to another.

Some general symptoms of a parasite infestation include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, and poor coat appearance.

Dogs with parasites may also appear pot-bellied, lethargic, and dehydrated.

If left untreated, parasites can lead to intestinal blockage or pneumonia.

To treat a parasite infestation, vets typically recommend deworming medications and preventative medication.

Yearly testing and year-round administration of prevention medication are essential for keeping your dog parasite-free.

Symptoms of kennel cough can appear two to ten days after exposure, with the most common being a cough, especially when pressure is applied to the trachea or windpipe.

A cough can sound like retching or be dry and hacking, accompanied by sneezing and eye discharge. In more severe cases, dogs may have a fever and trouble breathing.

Dogs with kennel cough may also show a lack of interest in eating and appear tired. These symptoms tend to occur in unvaccinated dogs, puppies, or dogs with weak immune systems.

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a combination of clinical signs caused by one or more contagious respiratory pathogens, also known as kennel cough. The complex is highly contagious between dogs but not contagious to people.

The most common symptom of CIRDC is coughing, which can be severe and last for weeks. Other common signs include runny nose, runny eyes, poor appetite, and lethargy.

Some pathogens, like distemper virus, can cause additional signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, or seizures. Most cases of CIRDC will resolve on their own, but dogs can develop severe illness and secondary lung infections.

Pneumonia can cause difficulty breathing or even lead to death in severe cases.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Signs of Retained Puppy in Dogs

Most dogs with kennel cough recover on their own within 10 days without treatment.

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

Brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, need more aggressive treatment due to their compromised airway, making them prone to secondary bacterial infections.

Untreated dogs with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus can die.

Dogs vaccinated for the CIRD pathogens have a much better prognosis, with reduced duration and severity of disease.

Vaccination doesn't completely prevent infection, but it can make a big difference in how your dog feels.

For another approach, see: Holistic Treatment for Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough is highly contagious, but it's usually treatable in healthy dogs. The infection can be life threatening only in puppies, older dogs, or immune-compromised dogs.

Most kennels require dogs to be up to date on their vaccines, which includes vaccines to prevent kennel cough, before taking them in. This is because kennel cough is often transmitted in kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities where animals are in close contact with each other.

A different take: Plott Hound Kennels

Dogs vaccinated for the CIRD pathogens have a much better prognosis. Vaccination does not completely prevent infection in most cases, but it can dramatically reduce the duration and severity of disease.

Here are some facts about kennel cough vaccines:

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs, and it's usually treatable in healthy dogs. However, it can be life threatening in puppies, older dogs, or immune-compromised dogs.

The disease can spread through airborne droplets when a dog barks, direct contact like touching noses or sharing toys, and contaminated surfaces like water and food bowls.

In kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities, germs can spread easily due to close contact between animals. Many kennels require dogs to be up to date on their vaccines, which includes vaccines to prevent kennel cough.

Any dog exposed to kennel cough can be infected, but they're more likely to get it in a moist, warm environment with poor ventilation and repeated exposure, such as in a kennel or shelter.

Here are the common ways kennel cough spreads:

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing kennel cough in dogs. Dogs vaccinated for the CIRD pathogens have a much better prognosis.

Having a vaccinated dog can dramatically reduce the duration and severity of disease, making it a worthwhile investment for pet owners.