Kennel Cough Mucus: Causes, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Kennel cough mucus is a common symptom of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It's usually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The mucus produced by kennel cough can be thick and yellowish-green in color, often accompanied by a cough that sounds like a harsh, hacking sound. This cough can be quite persistent, lasting for weeks or even months.

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 mucus can be a sign of these underlying infections.

Symptoms typically begin within 3-14 days after exposure to the disease-causing pathogens.

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Kennel cough is a common illness that affects dogs, and it's often caused by a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacterium is the most common culprit behind kennel cough, which is why it's often referred to as Bordetella.

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Dogs can also get kennel cough from viruses, which can make them more susceptible to contracting the infection. Some of these viruses include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, canine influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and canine reovirus.

Inhaling bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract is how dogs get kennel cough. This usually happens when the protective coating of mucus in their respiratory tract is weakened.

Factors that can weaken this protection and make dogs prone to kennel cough infection include exposure to crowded or poorly ventilated conditions, cold temperatures, exposure to dust or cigarette smoke, and travel-induced stress.

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Symptoms of kennel cough are easy to spot, but it's essential to know the difference between a kennel cough and a reverse sneeze. A kennel cough sounds like a goose honk, while a reverse sneeze can be a normal occurrence in certain dogs and breeds.

Some dogs with kennel cough may display other symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge. These symptoms can be concerning, especially if your dog is lethargic or has lost their appetite.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, it's crucial to report any coughing symptom to your veterinarian, as it could be a sign of a more serious disease.

If your dog has kennel cough, you may notice a strong cough with a "honking" sound, which is the most obvious symptom. This cough can be persistent and forceful.

A runny nose is another common symptom of kennel cough. Sneezing is also a possibility, and some dogs may even exhibit lethargy.

Loss of appetite is a concern, as is a low fever. But it's essential to remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of more serious diseases.

Here are some possible symptoms of kennel cough:

Making a diagnosis for kennel cough in dogs is often a straightforward process, based on the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy.

A veterinarian can usually make a diagnosis without needing to identify the underlying bacteria or virus. However, there are some cases where diagnostic testing is recommended.

Diagnostic testing is recommended for dogs where pneumonia is suspected. This is because kennel cough can sometimes develop into pneumonia, which requires more aggressive treatment.

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In some cases, diagnostic testing is also recommended for dogs that don't respond to supportive care. This means if your dog is showing symptoms of kennel cough but not improving with rest, fluids, and other supportive measures, a veterinarian may recommend testing to determine the underlying cause.

Dogs with signs of systemic disease may also require diagnostic testing. Systemic disease means the disease is affecting the dog's entire body, rather than just a localized area.

If an outbreak is occurring in multiple dogs, diagnostic testing may be recommended to help identify the source of the outbreak.

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

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to target the Bordetella bacteria, as well as cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medicines to help your dog feel better.

Keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar can also help minimize the coughing.

A dog harness is a good idea, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, as it can irritate the tracheal area and worsen the cough.

You may also want to try keeping your dog in the bathroom while you shower to help keep their airways moist.

In mild cases of kennel cough, treatment may only include supportive care, focusing on rest, nutrition, and hydration.

It should take about one to two weeks for a dog to recover from a mild case of kennel cough.

Complicated cases of kennel cough can cause your dog to become extremely sick, so it's essential to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time.

Some dogs can completely recover on their own with no treatment required, but it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Here are some general guidelines for recovering from kennel cough:

Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within 1 to 3 weeks, though it can take up to 6 weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions.

Protecting your dog against kennel cough is crucial, especially if they're exposed to groups of dogs. Keeping your dog's vaccines current is the best way to protect them against kennel cough.

Standard canine vaccines are highly effective against some kennel cough-associated viruses and are recommended for all dogs. An annual intranasal vaccine against Bordetella, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza is recommended for dogs of certain at-risk groups.

Dogs can be contagious and still look perfectly healthy, so it's essential to keep your dog away from toys and food and water bowls used by dogs outside your household.

To minimize the risk of your pet getting kennel cough, vaccination against one of the common causes (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is generally recommended. Many training, boarding, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination.

Here are some other tips to help prevent kennel cough:

Some breeds, like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs, are more likely to struggle with recovering from respiratory diseases due to their compromised airways. These breeds are strongly encouraged to get the kennel cough vaccine.

The kennel cough vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and depending on the form, it is usually given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, especially in multiple-dog settings.

Dogs can catch kennel cough through close or direct contact with infected dogs, breathing in cough or sneeze droplets from infected dogs, and exposure to droplet-contaminated items.

The risk of infection is especially high when dogs are in close contact with other infected dogs for long periods of time.

Some CIRDC-associated organisms, like Bordetella bronchiseptica, are quite hardy and can survive in the environment for weeks.

Dogs can even spread kennel cough to one another through contaminated surfaces, including water or food bowls.

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

Infected dogs do not usually need to avoid people, unless they have a severe immunocompromised condition.

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If your dog has kennel cough mucus, it's essential to know when to seek veterinary care. Their cough lasts more than a week, or worsens.

They seem extra tired, and this can be a sign that the infection is getting worse. If your dog's normal energy levels are compromised, it's time to visit the vet.

A fever is another red flag, with a normal body temperature ranging from 100 to 102.5 degrees F in dogs. If your dog's temperature exceeds this range, seek veterinary care.

If your dog won't eat, it's a sign that they're not feeling well. This can be due to the discomfort caused by the kennel cough mucus.

If your dog has other health problems, it's best to consult with your vet to determine the best course of action.

Here are some questions your vet may ask you: