Kennel Cough In Dogs

Kennel Cough is a respiratory illness that is highly contagious and affects dogs. Kennel cough is usually contracted by dogs in settings where there are many, such as dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. Airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces are ways for dogs to spread them to one another. It's easily treatable in most dogs, but it's more severe in puppies under six months of age and dogs with compromised immune systems.

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Symptoms of kennel cough

There are the following symptoms in your dog if he has kennel cough:

  • The most prominent symptom is a severe cough, frequently with a "honking" sound.
  • a stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • lethargy
  • a decrease in appetite
  • A mild fever

Although kennel cough is easily treated in healthy dogs, you should report a coughing symptom to your veterinarian because it could indicate a more severe illness.

Both the canine distemper virus and the canine influenza virus begin with symptoms similar to kennel cough. In addition, a collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma, and even heart disease are all illnesses that can induce coughing.

How to diagnose the kennel cough in a dog

If you notice your dog has a kennel cough, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Kennel cough is a diagnosis of exclusion because there is no specific test for it. A nonproductive cough can be caused by various things, 

including heart illness, fungal and parasite diseases including heartworm disease, a collapsing trachea, and cancer. In addition, dogs with kennel cough frequently have a history of exposure. Such as newly acquired pets from a shelter, pet store, breeder, or canines who have recently been boarded, groomed, or visited dog parks. Your veterinarian will evaluate which treatment option is best for you based on the examination and history.

How to treat the kennel cough

Mild instances of kennel cough are usually treated with rest for a week or two. Still, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to avoid a secondary infection and cough medicine to alleviate symptoms.

Although nebulizers and vaporizers that use inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators are effective, they are rarely given. Consult your vet to proceed. When walking a dog with kennel cough, owners should use a harness rather than a collar since irritation of the trachea can increase the cough and possibly cause tracheal injury. If you have more dogs in your home and one of them has a cough, the odds are that they all get it.

What causes kennel cough in dogs?

Kennel cough is contagious, and dogs can quickly spread it through casual contact like smelling each other on a walk, playing, or sharing water bowls. In addition, stress, cold temperatures, dust or smoke exposure, and crowded situations are all factors that enhance your dog's chances of contracting kennel cough.

How to prevent your dog from kennel cough

There are three kennel cough vaccines available: injectable, intranasal, and a newer oral form. Although these immunizations do not provide 100 percent protection, they reduce the severity of symptoms and provide some protection against kennel cough.

Please consult your veterinarian for additional information about kennel cough and how to prevent your dog from it.

Always visit or call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. They are your best resource for ensuring your pets' health and well-being.