Kennel Cough Season: What You Need to Know

Kennel cough season is a time of year when dogs are more likely to contract this contagious respiratory illness. It's typically caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.

The symptoms of kennel cough can be quite uncomfortable for dogs, including a persistent cough, runny nose, and loss of appetite. They can last from a few weeks to several months.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog's saliva or mucus. This means that if your dog has come into contact with another dog that has kennel cough, they could easily catch it too.

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.

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Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs, caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, including the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and the parainfluenza virus.

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It's highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks, or through direct contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions.

The cough is often described as a dry, hacking sound, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as runny eyes, sneezing, and lethargy.

Kennel cough can be severe and even life-threatening in young, old, or immunocompromised dogs, so it's essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Symptoms usually develop within 3-14 days of exposure to the virus or bacteria, and can last anywhere from 7-21 days.

Consider reading: How Does Kennel Cough Spread

Kennel cough season is upon us, and it's essential to understand what causes this pesky illness. The main culprits behind kennel cough are a variety of airborne pathogens.

These pathogens include viruses such as canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2, which can be prevented with standard vaccines. Canine influenza virus, specifically subtypes H3N2 and H3N8, and canine distemper virus are other viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.

Related reading: Canine Distemper Infection

Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria, is another common cause of kennel cough, and additional vaccines are available to protect against it. Mycoplasma species and Streptococcus equis subspecies zooepidemicus are also contributing factors.

Dogs that spend time with other dogs, such as those that attend dog shows or stay at kennels, are at a higher risk of developing kennel cough. This is because multiple pathogens can attack the dog at once, making it more likely to contract the illness.

Here are some common pathogens that can contribute to kennel cough:

*Protection available through standard vaccines.

**Protection available through additional vaccines.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread quickly in areas where dogs congregate. Places like boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, dog parks, and dog shows are hotspots for the spread of kennel cough.

Dogs can spread kennel cough to each other through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces. This means that even a simple snuggle or play session with an infected dog can be enough to pass on the illness.

Some dogs are more susceptible to kennel cough than others. Puppies younger than 6 months old and dogs with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe cases of kennel cough.

Dogs can catch kennel cough from surfaces that have been contaminated with the bacteria. This includes water and food bowls, toys, and even people's hands.

If you suspect your dog might have kennel cough, the first step is to contact your veterinarian and describe any signs you've noticed. Veterinary staff will recommend next steps to help your dog get the attention they need 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 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.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and cough suppressant medication can ease symptoms and help your dog sleep. Nebulizers and vaporizers using inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators have also been reported to be beneficial, but are usually not prescribed.

It's essential to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time, as serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia. If your dog shows symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away.

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Diagnosing CIRDC requires a visit to the veterinarian, and it's a good idea to call ahead to describe any signs you've noticed in your dog.

Your veterinarian will recommend next steps to help your dog get the attention they need without infecting other patients.

In cases where dogs have mild CIRDC, no diagnostic tests are needed and a "presumptive" diagnosis is made by thoroughly examining your dog for signs of illness and ruling out other causes of cough.

Your veterinarian may also know about other cases of CIRDC in the area, which can strengthen suspicions.

Testing is recommended when multiple dogs are affected or if your dog seems to be getting worse despite supportive treatment.

In those cases, your veterinarian will collect swab samples from the throat, nose, and/or edges of the eyes and submit them for lab testing to confirm infection and identify the specific bacteria/viruses involved.

Less commonly, blood tests may be recommended.

CIRDC treatment varies depending on the dog's severity of illness. For mildly affected dogs, basic supportive care is usually enough to help them recover quickly.

Rest and avoiding situations that promote coughing are key. This means keeping your dog calm and avoiding excitement, and switching to a harness instead of a collar, especially if they strain against the leash.

Antibiotics are not typically necessary unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, such as illness lasting more than 10 days.

To keep your dog safe from kennel cough, the first line of defense is vaccination. Vaccines not only reduce the chance of your dog becoming ill, 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. For optimal protection against common respiratory infections, an annual intranasal vaccine against Bordetella, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza is recommended for dogs of certain at-risk groups.

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: injected, nasal mist, and oral. 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.

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. This will help prevent the spread of kennel cough.

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To stay informed about places or geographic regions where kennel cough has been reported, ask your veterinarian or check news or internet resources. Delay or avoid travel with your dog to places where outbreaks are occurring.

Here's a summary of the recommended vaccination schedule for kennel cough:

Remember, vaccination is just one part of the prevention and protection plan. Keeping your dog away from contaminated areas and staying informed about outbreaks will also help keep your dog safe from kennel cough.