Understanding Types of Dog Coughs: Duration, Prevention, and Management

Dog coughs can be a real concern for pet owners, and it's essential to understand the different types to provide the best care for your furry friend.

A chronic cough can last for weeks or even months, whereas an acute cough typically resolves on its own within a few days.

Preventing dog coughs often involves reducing exposure to irritants like dust, pollen, and pollution, as well as keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date.

A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can also help boost your dog's immune system, making them less susceptible to coughs.

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Dog cough, also known as kennel cough, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.

It's usually accompanied by a hacking, raspy cough that can sound like the dog is choking.

The cough is often triggered by excitement, exercise, or even just playing with other dogs.

This type of cough can be mild or severe, and in some cases, it can lead to more serious health issues.

Symptoms typically develop within 2-14 days after exposure to the bacteria.

In some cases, a dog's cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as heart disease or chronic bronchitis.

However, with proper treatment and care, most dogs can recover from kennel cough within 2-3 weeks.

Some breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more prone to developing kennel cough due to their brachycephalic skull structure.

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Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within 1 to 3 weeks.

Mild cases of kennel cough can be treated with a week or so of rest and supportive care, similar to how you'd treat your own common cold.

A cough suppressant may be prescribed by your dog's veterinarian to help reduce the frequency of the cough.

You can also help keep your dog's airways moist by keeping them in the bathroom while you shower or by adding a humidifier to the room they sleep in.

In more serious cases of kennel cough, your vet may also prescribe medicines, such as an antibiotic, to help prevent any further infections or to suppress your dog's cough.

If your dog develops pneumonia, treatment can involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and possibly oxygen therapy.

Here's a rough guide to the duration of kennel cough:

It's essential to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time, or if they show symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness.

A vaccine for kennel cough is available to inoculate dogs against the bordetella bacterium, the most common cause kennel cough.

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected underneath the skin, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, and one that can be given by mouth.

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

Dogs that have a brachycephalic face with a smushed-looking nose are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine, as they are more likely to struggle with recovering from respiratory diseases.

The vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing kennel cough, but it can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Dogs that are frequently boarded, visit dog daycare, compete in canine sports, or otherwise are exposed to groups of dogs may benefit from the vaccine.

The bordetella vaccine on its own may not prevent your dog from catching kennel cough, as some cases are caused by other germs.

Many training, boarding, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination.

The vaccine usually comes in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and is given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.

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Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, Canine adenovirus, and Parainfluenza virus.

Dogs can contract kennel cough from infected objects, such as shared toys, food bowls, or water bowls, or through direct contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions.

Kennel cough is often spread in crowded areas like animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

A persistent dry, hacking cough is the most obvious symptom of kennel cough in dogs. This cough can sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat.

Some dogs with kennel cough may also show other symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, low-grade fever, and a change in appetite.

The cough can be so severe that it keeps you and your dog awake at night. Retching with the production of white foam is another symptom of kennel cough.

Some dogs may also have clear eye drainage, tracheal sensitivity, and a runny nose and sneezing. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can progress to more serious conditions if left untreated.

Here are some common signs of kennel cough in dogs:

These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, or a collapsing trachea. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to contact a veterinary professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Kennel cough in dogs is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and Canine adenovirus.

These pathogens can be spread through respiratory secretions when a healthy pup is exposed to an infected dog's coughing or sneezing.

Dogs can also contract kennel cough from infected objects, such as shared toys, food bowls, or water bowls.

Here are some of the most common causes of kennel cough:

Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs involves a combination of the dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy. A diagnosis can usually be made without identifying the underlying bacteria or virus.

Dogs with pneumonia are a special case, and diagnostic testing is recommended to confirm the presence of pneumonia. This is crucial for effective treatment.

Supportive care is often the first line of treatment for kennel cough, but if a dog doesn't respond to it, further testing is necessary. This ensures the dog receives the right care.

In some cases, a dog may show signs of systemic disease, which requires a more detailed diagnosis. This can involve running tests to determine the extent of the disease.

If an outbreak is occurring in multiple dogs, diagnostic testing is also recommended to identify the cause and prevent further transmission. This helps prevent the spread of the disease.