One Dog Has Kennel Cough the Other Doesn't What You Need to Know

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Posted Nov 5, 2024

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If you're dealing with a household where one dog has kennel cough and the other doesn't, it's essential to understand the risks of transmission.

Kennel cough is highly contagious, so it's crucial to take precautions to prevent the healthy dog from getting infected.

A dog with kennel cough can spread the disease through direct contact with another dog's respiratory secretions, which can be found in their saliva, mucus, and even their fur.

The incubation period for kennel cough is typically 2-14 days, which means the healthy dog could already be exposed and showing symptoms soon.

Dogs: What Is It?

Kennel Cough in Dogs: What Is It?

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, commonly referred to as kennel cough, is a respiratory disease that is often found in dogs. This condition is highly contagious and frequently gets spread in social settings.

Kennel cough is usually caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus that attacks the lining of a dog's respiratory tract. This results in irritation and inflammation.

Credit: youtube.com, What Should You REALLY Do When Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough? | Vet Explains

For otherwise healthy dogs, kennel cough generally isn't serious. However, it can cause more serious secondary infections in geriatric dogs, young puppies, or dogs that have a weakened immune system.

Infected dogs spread the illness via tiny droplets that fly through the air. These droplets can sit on objects until another dog inhales or ingests them.

Causes and Prevention

Kennel cough is a complex condition caused by multiple infectious agents, including viral and bacterial pathogens. These pathogens can weaken a dog's immune system and affect their voice box and windpipe.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the most common causes of kennel cough, and it can spread through the air when an infected dog sneezes, barks, or coughs, releasing thousands of organisms into the air.

Dogs can also get infected by using an item that another dog with the infection has used, such as a toy or food dish. Bacteria can remain alive on a food bowl for up to 48 hours, making it essential to be cautious about kennels and doggy daycare facilities.

Preventing kennel cough is key, and one way to do this is to ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date. The kennel cough vaccine, also known as the Bordetella vaccination, is available in three forms: injection, nasal mist, and oral medication.

Causes

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Kennel cough has multiple causes, including various viral and bacterial pathogens.

Canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, and canine adenovirus type 2 are just a few of the viral pathogens that can contribute to kennel cough.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common bacterial cause of kennel cough, which is why it's also referred to as Bordetella.

Dogs can contract kennel cough through the air by sneezing, barking, or coughing, flooding the air with thousands of organisms.

A dog can also get infected by using an item that another dog with the infection has used, such as a toy or food dish.

Bacteria can remain alive on a food bowl for up to forty-eight hours, making kennels a high-risk area for the spread of kennel cough.

Animal interactions, such as playing, sniffing, or licking another dog, can also pass on the infection.

Preventing

Preventing kennel cough in dogs is key to keeping them healthy. If your dog spends a fair amount of time around other dogs, talk to your vet about getting your dog vaccinated against kennel cough.

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There are three forms of the kennel cough vaccine available: injection, nasal mist, and oral medication. Your veterinarian will choose the most appropriate form for your pet.

Checking out the dogs your pooch is playing with is a good idea. Ask the owner whether they are up to date on their vaccinations.

Kennel cough can be prevented by keeping your dog away from dirty and unsanitized kennels or doggy daycare. Kennel cough is just one of the nasty illnesses your dog can pick up at kennels that aren’t being properly cleaned and maintained.

Having your dog vaccinated against kennel cough is a good idea if you bring them to places they will socialize, such as the park, kennel, or groomers. The kennel cough vaccine is commonly known as the Bordetella vaccination.

Preventing cross-contamination of food dishes, toys, leashes, bedding, or anything else is important if you have a sick dog. Kennel cough can be very easily transmitted from one dog to another.

Expand your knowledge: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs

Signs

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If your dog has kennel cough, they'll likely exhibit a dry, hacking cough that can be irritating for them and may even hurt their throat. This cough can sound worse than it is, but it's usually harmless and will go away within a couple of weeks.

A dog with kennel cough may also show other symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and a lack of appetite. They might even seem lethargic or develop a fever.

In some cases, a dog can carry kennel cough without showing any symptoms at all, making it hard to keep them away from other dogs. However, if your dog is showing symptoms, it's essential to separate them from other pets and call your vet for advice.

Other signs of kennel cough include a lack of energy and a mild fever. It's crucial to monitor your dog's symptoms and consult with your vet if you notice any of these signs.

Pneumonia is a rare but possible complication of kennel cough, especially if your dog's immune system is weakened. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence, and most dogs will recover with treatment.

Treatment

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Treatment for kennel cough is often straightforward and involves rest and isolation from other dogs. This is usually all that's needed for a dog to recover fully in about two weeks.

In some cases, a vet may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection, or a cough suppressant to make your dog more comfortable. This is typically the case for more severe infections.

If your dog is older, young, or has a weakened immune system, they may need to see a vet as soon as possible. This is because their condition is likely to be more severe and potentially life-threatening.

With treatment, most dogs will recover fully in two weeks. However, some dogs may need a longer course of treatment, lasting anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

Here are some general guidelines for treatment:

  • Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the infection.
  • Cough suppressants can be given to make your dog more comfortable.
  • More aggressive treatment, including tests like chest x-rays, may be necessary.
  • Pet medical insurance typically applies to these tests.

Vaccinations and Isolation

Vaccinations can help prevent kennel cough, but they don't offer 100% prevention because various pathogens can cause it.

The most effective vaccination for kennel cough is the Bordetella vaccination, and it's available in three forms: injection, nasal mist, and oral medication.

Isolating a sick dog from other dogs is crucial to prevent cross-contamination of food, toys, and other items.

Vaccinations

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The most effective treatment for kennel cough is, of course, prevention. Have your dog vaccinated against canine parainfluenza, canine coronavirus, canine distemper, and Bordetella, and he will not be able to contract kennel cough.

The kennel cough vaccine is commonly known as the Bordetella vaccination. It's a crucial step in protecting your dog from this highly contagious disease.

If your dog spends a fair amount of time around other dogs, talk to your vet about getting your dog vaccinated against kennel cough. This is especially important if you frequently visit the park, kennel, or groomers with your dog.

Three forms of the kennel cough vaccine are available: injection, nasal mist, and oral medication. Your veterinarian will choose the most appropriate form for your pet.

While the kennel cough vaccine doesn't offer 100% prevention, it can significantly reduce the risk of your dog contracting the disease. Various pathogens can cause kennel cough, so vaccination is still a vital step in protecting your dog's health.

Isolating Sick Dogs

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Isolating a sick dog is crucial to prevent the spread of kennel cough to other pets in your home. Kennel cough can be transmitted through cross-contamination of food dishes, toys, leashes, bedding, and anything else.

If your dog is showing symptoms of kennel cough, separate them from other dogs right away. The main symptom is a non-productive persistent dry cough, often sounding like a goose honk or like your dog has something stuck in its throat.

Isolating your dog will help prevent the spread of the illness. Kennel cough is highly contagious, so it's essential to keep your dog separate from other pets.

If your dog has mild symptoms, your vet may suggest isolating them from other pets and providing several days of rest while monitoring their symptoms.

For more insights, see: Dog Flea Symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

How did my dog get kennel cough at home?

Your dog likely caught kennel cough through airborne transmission or by coming into contact with contaminated objects at home, such as toys or food bowls

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.