What is Kennel Cough?
Just as human colds may be caused by
many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes.
Dogs "catch" kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or
virus particles into their respiratory tract. This tract is normally
lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles, but
there are a number of factors that can weaken this protection and
make dogs prone to kennel cough infection, which results in
inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).
These factors include:
- Exposure to crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions, such as thoughs found in many kennels and shelters
- Cold temperatures
- Exposure to dust
- Travel-induced stress
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
The classic symptom of kennel cough is
a persistent, forceful cough, or clearing of the throat. Some dogs
with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including
sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.
If your dog has kennel cough, he/she
probably will not lose their appetite or have a decreased energy
level.
Treating and Preventing Kennel
Cough
Kennel cough is contagious. If you
think your dog might have the condition, you should keep him/her away
from other animals and contact your vet.
Although most cases of kennel cough
will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or
minimize symptoms during the course of the infection. These
include antibiotics and cough medicines.
You may also find that keeping your dog
in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar,
especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the
coughing.
Most dogs with kennel cough recover
completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in
older dogs or those with other medical conditions. If the later is
the case then ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia,
be sure to follow up with your vet if your dog doesn't improve within
the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has
symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact
your vet straight away, as these could be signs of a more serious
condition.