Understanding What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It's caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and the parainfluenza virus.

The symptoms of kennel cough can vary from dog to dog, but they typically include a persistent cough that can last for several weeks. Some dogs may also experience a runny nose, sneezing, and lethargy.

Kennel cough is usually spread through direct contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions, which can be airborne or come into contact with a dog's eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Symptoms of kennel cough are usually quite noticeable, and the most obvious symptom is a persistent, forceful cough that sounds like a goose honk. This cough can persist for 10-20 days.

Dogs with kennel cough may also show other symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge. If your dog has kennel cough, they probably won't lose their appetite or have a decreased energy level.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

It's essential to note that some dogs may not show any of these symptoms, and their cough may be the only indication of kennel cough.

Causes of symptoms and diagnosis can be complex and varied. One common cause is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which can lead to the development of certain medical conditions.

Family history plays a significant role, as individuals with a first-degree relative with a condition are more likely to develop it themselves. In some cases, a single genetic mutation can cause a condition.

Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can also contribute to the development of certain conditions. Poor diet and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of developing obesity and related health problems.

Infections and injuries can also cause symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis. For example, a bacterial infection can cause symptoms that mimic those of a different condition.

In some cases, symptoms may be caused by a combination of factors, making diagnosis more challenging.

There are several types of symptoms that can indicate a diagnosis of a mental health condition. These can vary depending on the specific condition.

Depression can manifest as feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety can cause excessive worry or fear.

Mood swings are a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Manic episodes can lead to impulsive behavior.

Hallucinations and delusions are symptoms of schizophrenia. Disorganized thinking and speech can also be present.

Sleep disturbances and changes in appetite are common symptoms of eating disorders. Obsessive thoughts and compulsions can be symptoms of OCD.

Each type of symptom can have a unique impact on a person's life.

The symptoms of kennel cough are pretty distinctive and can be a big help in diagnosing the issue.

A persistent, forceful cough is the classic symptom, often sounding like a goose honk. This is different from a reverse sneeze, which can be normal in certain dogs and breeds.

Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

You might not notice a decrease in appetite or energy level in your dog if they have kennel cough.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

Diagnosis of Kennel Cough can be a bit tricky, but it usually starts with a characteristic cough that develops 5-10 days after exposure to other dogs.

Thoracic radiographs, or X-rays of the chest, are essential to determine the severity of the disease and to rule out other causes of cough.

Dogs with Kennel Cough may have normal thoracic radiographs, but if the disease has progressed to pneumonia, you may see evidence of alveolar disease.

Swabs from the nose or throat can be taken for PCR testing to identify the causative agent of the cough.

Blood samples may be taken for serology to test for common viruses that cause Canine Cough.

For more insights, see: Coughing in Dogs after Drinking Water

Dogs of all ages are at risk of contracting canine cough if they're in close contact with other dogs.

The disease can spread rapidly, lasting up to six weeks.

Any dog that comes into contact with other dogs is at risk, making it a highly contagious disease.

The disease is not limited to dogs, as other species can become infected.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs, and it's essential to know how to treat and prevent it. Most cases of kennel cough will resolve on their own with basic supportive care, such as rest and avoiding excitement and neck leashes.

If your dog has a mild case of kennel cough, you can expect them to make a full recovery within a week or so. However, if your dog has a more severe illness, your veterinarian may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever and inflammation, and fluids to treat dehydration.

Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, including illness that lasts more than 10 days. In some cases, intensive supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation, may be needed.

To prevent kennel cough, you can vaccinate your dog with a modified-live virus vaccine against distemper, parainfluenza, and CAV-2, which also provides protection against CAV-1. An initial vaccination should be given at 6-8 weeks and repeated twice at 3-4 week intervals until the dog is 14-16 weeks old.

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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. However, these vaccines may not guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis because it can be caused by many different kinds of bacteria and viruses.

Here's a summary of the different forms of vaccine and their administration schedules:

It's essential to note that none of the forms of the kennel cough vaccination will treat active infections. If you notice your pet coughing, or if you plan to introduce your dog to a group of new dogs, speak with your veterinarian to see if the kennel cough vaccination makes sense for your dog.

Dogs can be immunized with modified-live virus vaccines against distemper, parainfluenza, and CAV-2, which also provides protection against CAV-1. These vaccines should be given at 6–8 weeks and repeated twice at 3- to 4-week intervals until the dog is 14–16 weeks old.

A combination of an avirulent B bronchiseptica and a modified-live parainfluenza vaccine is available for intranasal use, and one inoculation is administered to puppies >3 weeks old.

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. These vaccines may help, but they do not guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis.

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 for kennel cough. These forms of the vaccine tend to provide dogs protection against kennel cough sooner than the injected product.

A vaccine for kennel cough is available to inoculate dogs against the bordetella bacterium, the most common cause of kennel cough. This vaccine is usually given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.

Here are some key vaccination recommendations: