Kennel Cough Vomiting: Understanding the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease

Kennel cough vomiting is a common and distressing condition that affects many dogs.

The primary cause of kennel cough is the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is highly contagious and spreads quickly in areas where dogs congregate.

Symptoms of kennel cough can vary in severity, but typically include a persistent cough, runny nose, and loss of appetite.

In some cases, kennel cough can lead to vomiting, which can be triggered by the inflammation and irritation of the dog's respiratory tract.

Kennel cough is a common canine illness that can be caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, canine adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus.

These pathogens are typically spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, and can also be contracted from infected objects like shared toys or food bowls.

Some of the most common places where dogs are exposed to kennel cough include animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

Here are some of the common causes of kennel cough in dogs:

Symptoms of kennel cough can include a strong cough, often with a "honking" sound, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever.

Kennel cough in dogs is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. These include Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, Canine adenovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Mycoplasma, Canine influenza virus, Canine distemper virus, Canine respiratory corona virus, and Canine reovirus.

The bacteria and viruses that cause kennel cough are highly contagious. They can be spread through the respiratory secretions of an infected dog, such as through coughing or sneezing.

Dogs can also contract kennel cough by coming into contact with infected objects, like shared toys, food bowls, or water bowls.

The most common places where dogs are exposed to kennel cough are crowded areas, including animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

For more insights, see: Difference between Kennel Cough and Upper Respiratory Infection

If your dog has kennel cough, you may notice a strong cough with a "honking" sound, which is the most obvious symptom. The cough can be triggered by applying pressure to the trachea or windpipe.

Runny nose and sneezing are also common symptoms, and some dogs may even experience lethargy, loss of appetite, and a low fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to report them to your veterinarian.

The symptoms of kennel cough can take up to 10 days to appear, but in some cases, it can take longer. For example, with canine distemper, it can take up to four weeks before signs are noted.

The most common symptoms of kennel cough include a cough, sneezing, and eye discharge. The cough can sound like the dog is retching, or it could be dry and hacking. In more severe cases, the dog may have a fever and trouble breathing.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) is a common issue in dogs, and it's essential to understand the causes and symptoms to provide the best care for your furry friend.

CIRD can be caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and mycoplasma.

Dogs are typically exposed to CIRD in crowded areas, such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

A culture can be taken of the dog's upper airway to figure out what the underlying cause is, but this typically requires sedation and only covers bacteria.

A swab of the dog's nose and deep throat can be sent out for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to look for genetic material of the underlying cause, which is a more common and affordable method.

In most cases, veterinarians can diagnose CIRD based on clinical signs alone, but they might take chest X-rays to make sure that pneumonia is not present.

The underlying cause of CIRD can dictate which cleaning agents are necessary, how long quarantine should be, and whether vaccine recommendations should be changed for that organization.

Here are some common places where dogs are exposed to CIRD:

Preventing kennel cough in dogs is crucial, especially if your pet is frequently exposed to other dogs.

Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the common causes of kennel cough, is generally recommended by veterinarians.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but vaccination may help keep your pet protected.

The kennel cough vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can reduce the severity of symptoms if your dog does get infected.

There are many forms of the kennel cough vaccine available, including an oral liquid that is safe and has little side effects.

Some pet parents may elect to skip vaccinating for kennel cough if their pet never has exposure to other dogs, but this vaccine is still a good option for many dogs.

To keep your dog protected, make sure their vaccines are current, including standard (or "core") canine vaccines and an annual intranasal vaccine against Bordetella, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza.

For more insights, see: Kennel Cough Even with Vaccination

This is especially important for dogs of certain at-risk groups, including those whose lifestyles expose them to multiple-dog settings.

Here are some key vaccines to consider for your dog:

Diagnosing kennel cough typically involves looking at the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy. A diagnosis can be made based on the dog's symptoms and history alone, but diagnostic testing is recommended in certain situations, such as when pneumonia is suspected or when the dog doesn't respond to supportive care.

If your dog has developed pneumonia, treatment may involve antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and possibly oxygen therapy. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition, with mild cases often treated with supportive care, such as rest, nutrition, and hydration.

A cough suppressant may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency of the cough, but it's essential to note that coughing is a way to expel mucous and infectious agents, so decreasing the cough can be counterproductive. Most dogs will clear the infection themselves in 10 to 14 days, but it's still recommended to take your dog to a veterinarian to ensure no other interventions are needed.

Here are some common treatment options for kennel cough:

Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs is a bit like solving a puzzle, where veterinarians consider the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy.

A diagnosis can be made based on the dog's symptoms alone, but in some cases, diagnostic testing is recommended.

Dogs that don't respond to supportive care, show signs of systemic disease, or are part of an outbreak in multiple dogs may need further testing.

If your dog is showing severe symptoms, it's always better to err on the side of caution and get them checked out by a vet.

Here are some scenarios where diagnostic testing is recommended:

Treatment for kennel cough in dogs is usually straightforward and focused on supporting the dog's recovery. Mild cases can be treated with rest, nutrition, and hydration.

Supportive care is key to helping your dog feel better. This can include keeping them in a humid environment, such as the bathroom while you shower, and adding a humidifier to their sleeping area. Some owners also find it helpful to nebulize their dog with sterile saline for about 10 minutes twice a day.

Cough suppressants may be prescribed by your veterinarian to help reduce the frequency of the cough. However, it's essential to note that coughing is a natural way for your dog to clear their airways, so suppressing the cough may not always be the best approach.

Antibiotics are usually not necessary unless your dog shows signs of a secondary bacterial infection, such as a fever, lethargy, or yellow or green discharge. In some cases, antibiotics like doxycycline may be prescribed based on culture results or PCR tests.

Complicated cases of kennel cough may require more intensive treatment, including hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and possibly oxygen therapy.

Here are some general guidelines for when to seek veterinary attention: