Kennel Cough is a highly contagious illness affecting dogs’ respiratory tracts, says Yung-Tsun Lo D.V.M., Ph.D, Bioguard Corporation.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a highly contagious illness that affects the respiratory tracts of dogs. This condition can impact dogs of all breeds and ages. It is caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, often infecting dogs with more than one organism at a time. Some of the more commonly involved pathogens include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine influenza, and less commonly, canine distemper virus.
How is kennel cough spread?
Kennel cough spreads quickly through the air and via contaminated objects such as toys or food bowls, making it highly contagious and prone to rapid transmission, especially within kennels. Controlling kennel cough is challenging because most dogs are contagious before displaying symptoms, resulting in rapid outbreaks, particularly in multi-dog settings. Some kennel cough causing organisms are robust and can survive in the environment for weeks, which adds complexity to containment strategies.
What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
The main symptom of kennel cough is a sudden onset of frequent, honking coughing that resembles gagging or retching. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by frothy discharge that resembles vomit. It’s important to differentiate this cough from a reverse sneeze, which can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and often indicates post-nasal drip or throat irritation. This cough typically gets worse with activity or exercise, which can worsen airway irritation.
Kennel cough usually appears as a mild illness, and most dogs recover completely within 7 to 10 days. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the infecting organism/organisms and the dog’s immune response. Some dogs may show more severe signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, productive cough, and rapid or laboured breathing, indicating potential bacterial pneumonia that needs immediate veterinary care.
How is kennel cough diagnosed?
Kennel cough should be suspected if the characteristic cough develops suddenly within 5–10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs. Veterinarians typically rely on a “presumptive” diagnosis, which involves a thorough physical examination, ruling out other potential causes of cough, and evaluating exposure to other dogs or multi-dog environments. Additionally, knowledge of other cases of kennel cough in the vicinity can support the diagnosis.
However, testing is advisable in cases of multiple affected dogs, such as outbreaks, or if your dog’s condition worsens despite supportive treatment. In these situations, your veterinarian may collect swab samples from the throat, nose, and/or eye margins for PCR testing to confirm the infection and identify the specific bacteria or viruses involved.
How is kennel cough treated?
There is no special drug for dogs with kennel cough. Typically, mild cases of kennel cough will quickly make a full recovery with basic supportive care aimed at avoiding situations that promote coughing and irritate airways. Dogs with more severe illness may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and fluids to treat dehydration. Your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not usually necessary or recommended unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, including illness that lasts more than 10 days. In rare instances, dogs with severe disease may also need intensive supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation.
How can I prevent kennel cough in my dog?
Preventing kennel cough in your dog primarily involves vaccination, particularly for puppies, as the vaccines are safe for them. While vaccination doesn’t completely prevent infection, it can mitigate the severity of symptoms and lessen the need for intensive care. For optimal protection against common respiratory infections, administering the vaccine targeting B. bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza, particularly for dogs in at-risk groups exposed to multi-dog environments. Furthermore, in areas where canine influenza is prevalent, obtaining the canine influenza vaccine is advised. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining the necessary vaccines to maintain your dog’s optimal health.
