Understanding Kennel Cough Shaking in Dogs

Kennel cough shaking in dogs can be a distressing sight, but understanding the symptoms and causes can help you provide the best care for your furry friend.

Dogs with kennel cough often exhibit a distinctive shaking or coughing fit, which can be triggered by a range of factors, including exercise, excitement, or even a simple change in environment.

The shaking can be quite violent, with some dogs experiencing a full-blown coughing fit that lasts for several minutes.

This is because kennel cough is primarily caused by a bacterial or viral infection that inflames the upper airways, making it difficult for your dog to breathe and swallow.

The infection can be spread through the air, making it highly contagious among dogs.

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Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs, often causing a persistent, hacking cough. It's usually a mild illness, but in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.

Kennel cough is caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that infect the dog's trachea and bronchi. The most common culprits are Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus.

Symptoms of kennel cough typically include a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, and runny eyes. Some dogs may also experience a fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

The incubation period of kennel cough can range from 2 to 14 days, during which the dog may not show any symptoms. This is why kennel cough can spread quickly through dog populations, especially in crowded areas like kennels and dog parks.

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Getting your dog vaccinated against Bordetella is one of the best ways to prevent kennel cough in dogs. Vaccines like the Bordetella vaccination can prevent diseases from ever developing in your pup in the first place.

The Bordetella vaccine comes in two forms: an intranasal spray and an injection. Both are comparably effective, but the injectable version isn't suitable for dogs younger than 8 weeks.

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If your dog has previously had a reaction to a vaccine, inform your vet ahead of time to mitigate risks. They may advise you to skip a certain vaccine in the future to avoid any potential issues.

Getting your dog's Bordetella vaccine separated out from other vaccinations can help reduce the risk of reactions, especially in smaller dogs. Your vet may suggest this if your dog needs multiple vaccinations at once.

Preventing kennel cough starts with a vaccine, but it's not always necessary. Vaccination is most important for dogs who spend a lot of time in training groups, boarding facilities, or daycare facilities.

Limiting your dog's exposure to other pups is also an important part of preventing kennel cough. If your dog does spend a lot of time at a boarding or daycare facility, choose one that requires all dogs to be vaccinated for kennel cough.

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Getting a proper diagnosis is key to treating kennel cough. This involves recognizing the symptoms and your dog's recent exposure to other dogs, as your vet will use these factors to make an adequate diagnosis.

Rest is often the first line of treatment for mild cases of kennel cough, and it's essential to provide your dog with plenty of food and water during this time.

In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for kennel cough, but you should discuss the best course of action with your vet.

To help your dog recover, follow these guidelines:

Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs can be a bit tricky, but it's usually based on the symptoms your dog is showing and whether they've been exposed to other dogs. The vet will likely take a closer look at your dog's symptoms and ask about their recent interactions with other dogs.

If your dog has symptoms like a forceful, "honking" cough, sneezing, or lethargy, the vet may suspect kennel cough. These symptoms can be similar to a cold, but kennel cough is a distinct illness that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

To confirm the diagnosis, the vet may take swabs to identify the specific bacteria and viruses causing the illness. This helps rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, like canine distemper.

Here are some common symptoms that may indicate kennel cough:

In some cases, the vet may use radiographs to check for other conditions, especially if your dog is showing more severe symptoms. But if your dog has been around other dogs and is showing symptoms like a cough or sneezing, it's likely kennel cough.

If your dog has kennel cough, the primary treatment is usually antibiotics, which your vet will prescribe based on the specific virus causing the illness.

Antibiotics can help prevent secondary infections, especially in dogs with chronic health conditions. Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for kennel cough.

In addition to antibiotics, your vet may recommend anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants to alleviate your dog's discomfort during recovery.

To help your dog recover, it's essential to provide a stress-free environment and plenty of food and water. You can also try using a humidifier or vaporizer to ease congestion.

If your dog has severe symptoms, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

A unique perspective: Antibiotics for Kennel Cough

Preventing Kennel Cough is key to avoiding the shaking symptoms associated with it. Getting your dog vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent kennel cough in dogs.

Limiting your dog's exposure to other pups is also crucial in preventing kennel cough. If your dog spends a lot of time in training groups, boarding facilities, or daycare facilities, make sure you choose a facility that requires all dogs to be vaccinated for kennel cough.

If your dog does get kennel cough, letting the symptoms run their course is often the best course of action. Most of the time, the symptoms will subside after a week or two.

Managing symptoms at home can be a big help in getting your dog back on their feet. Most of the time, vets advise pet owners to simply let the symptoms of kennel cough run their course until their dog gets better. This usually takes a week or two, but if your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, you can try using a humidifier, making sure your dog gets plenty of water, and switching to a harness instead of a collar for walks.

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You can also try some home remedies, but it's essential to consult a vet before trying them. Probiotics, honey, and cinnamon have been suggested as potential remedies for kennel cough. Adding probiotics to your dog's diet can support their immune system during recovery and promote overall digestive and oral health. Giving your dog a tablespoon of honey twice daily can help ease the nasal discharge associated with kennel cough. Cinnamon has antiviral properties that may aid in treating kennel cough.

It's worth noting that some symptoms of kennel cough can be similar to those caused by a reaction to the Bordetella vaccine, which can include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. If your dog is showing more severe symptoms or doesn't recover within a couple of days, it's time to call the vet.

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To get kennel cough, dogs are exposed to airborne droplets containing the canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria when infected dogs cough or sneeze near them.

These pathogens can also be transmitted through direct contact or proximity to infected dogs, making it essential to keep dogs separated in dog-congested environments.

A dog's overall health, stress levels, and immune system strength can influence their susceptibility to kennel cough, so it's crucial to keep them in top condition.