Understanding Kennel Cough Gagging and How to Prevent It

Kennel cough gagging can be a distressing and concerning symptom for dog owners. It's a hacking, gagging cough that can be caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, which is highly contagious and airborne.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that kennel cough is a common disease that affects dogs worldwide. It's often spread through close contact with an infected dog or by contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of kennel cough can include a dry, hacking cough, gagging, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, dogs may also exhibit a runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite.

Prevention is key when it comes to kennel cough, and vaccination is a crucial step in protecting your dog. The Bordetella vaccine is available and recommended for dogs that socialize with other dogs or are exposed to kennels and dog parks.

Here's an interesting read: Bordetella Vaccine vs Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs, causing a persistent and often violent cough.

It's a common condition that can be caused by several types of viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus.

Dogs can contract kennel cough by coming into contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions, which can be spread through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces.

The symptoms of kennel cough can be quite unpleasant, and may include a dry, hacking cough, as well as sneezing, runny eyes, and loss of appetite.

The cough can be so severe that it can lead to vomiting and gagging, especially after eating or playing.

In severe cases, kennel cough can lead to secondary infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Kennel cough gagging is often caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which can be spread through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes.

The Bordetella bacteria can also be found on contaminated surfaces and objects that an infected dog has come into contact with.

If this caught your attention, see: Kennel Cough Bordetella

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread to other dogs through close contact, such as nose-to-nose contact or sharing food and water bowls.

Symptoms of kennel cough gagging typically include a persistent and hacking cough, often accompanied by gagging or vomiting.

The cough can be dry and hacking, or it can produce mucus, and it may be loud enough to be heard from another room.

In severe cases, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia or other secondary infections, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Explore further: Why Does My Dog Keep Gagging but Not Throwing Up?

CIRDC is a highly contagious disease, and most dogs are contagious before they even show symptoms. This makes it difficult to control the spread of the disease, especially in multiple-dog settings.

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

Related reading: Canine Vector-borne Disease

The risk of infection is especially high when dogs are in close contact with other infected dogs for long periods of time. This is why it's so important to keep infected dogs away from other dogs until they're fully recovered.

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

CIRDC can be spread through contaminated items like toys, bedding, people's hands, and water bowls, which is why good hygiene practices are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.

Infected dogs can also spread the disease through droplet-contaminated items, which is why it's essential to disinfect these items regularly.

For more insights, see: Canine Lupus Disease

The first step to diagnosing kennel cough gagging is a visit to the veterinarian. If you suspect your dog might have kennel cough, it's a good idea to first call your veterinary clinic and describe any signs you've noticed.

Veterinary staff will recommend next steps to help your dog get the attention he or she needs, without infecting other patients. Most dogs with mild kennel cough will improve fairly quickly, so there's no need for diagnostic tests in those cases.

Your veterinarian will make a "presumptive" diagnosis of kennel cough 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.

To diagnose CIRDC, the first step is to visit your veterinarian, who may recommend calling the clinic before taking your dog in to be seen to describe any signs you've noticed. If your dog has mild CIRDC, they'll likely improve quickly without needing diagnostic tests.

Your veterinarian will make a "presumptive" diagnosis 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. This can include knowledge of other cases in the area that may strengthen suspicions.

If multiple dogs are affected or your dog is getting worse despite supportive treatment, testing is recommended. 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.

Consider reading: What Are Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

The treatment approach for CIRCD in dogs depends on how sick they are, with mildly affected dogs usually making a full recovery with basic supportive care.

Most dogs will quickly recover with rest and avoiding situations that promote coughing and irritate airways, such as excitement and neck leashes.

Dogs with more severe illness may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever and inflammation.

Fluids may also be necessary to treat dehydration in these cases.

Antibiotics are not usually necessary or recommended unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, including illness that lasts more than 10 days.

For your interest: Is Kennel Cough Vaccine Necessary

Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccines is crucial to protecting them against CIRDC. Vaccines not only reduce the chance of illness, but also make your dog less likely to develop severe disease or spread the infection to other dogs.

Standard canine vaccines are highly effective against some CIRDC-associated viruses and are recommended for all dogs. Your veterinarian will help you decide which vaccines your dog needs to stay healthy.

Dogs can be contagious and still look perfectly healthy, so it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of illness. Keep your dog away from toys and food and water bowls used by dogs outside your household to prevent the spread of infection.

Stay informed by asking your veterinarian or checking news or internet resources about places or geographic regions where CIRDC has been reported. This will help you make informed decisions about travel with your dog.

Here are some additional tips to help protect your dog: