- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Kennel Cough - Symptoms & Remedies
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis , better known as Kennel Cough , is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs . Kennel cough usually causes mild symptoms and is highly treatable , but it can progress to pneumonia in puppies , pregnant , geriatric , or immunocompromised dogs . It ' s important to recognize the symptoms and seek your vet ' s advice about whether treatment is needed . Kennel cough is typically characterized by a honking , or persistent , dry , hacking cough that sounds like your pup has something stuck in their throat . Other than coughing , symptoms could include a runny nose , sneezing , labored breathing , lethargy , low fever , vomiting white foam , and loss of appetite .
Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large numbers of animals are together , like dog parks , boarding kennels , daycare , grooming facilities , training classes , and dog shows . It spreads through airborne droplets , direct contact ( like touching noses ), or contaminated surfaces , such as food and water bowls . If you have a household with multiple dogs and one shows signs of a cough , it ' s likely all dogs in the home have been exposed .
Dogs can develop kennel cough approximately three to four days after exposure . Shedding of the virus can go on for one to three weeks after infection . It ' s best to keep your dog away from other dogs during this time to avoid transmission . It usually takes one to two weeks for a dog to recover from a mild case of kennel cough . Dogs that have complicated cases of can be sick for three to six weeks . Kennel cough is not normally dangerous , but in rare cases , those severely affected can develop pneumonia , a condition that could result in death .
For mild cases of kennel cough , there are a few at-home remedies that can make your pup feel better .
• Honey : Honey ( especially Manuka ) can be very useful to soothe your dog ' s throat and minimize coughing . Give your dog 1 / 2 to 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl . This can be offered up to three times a day , depending on how often your dog is coughing .
• Humidifier : A small humidifier can be placed in the room where your dog sleeps . The humidifier will moisten the air that your dog breathes , which can help with irritation of the respiratory tract
• Steam therapy : Run a hot shower and allow the bathroom to fill with steam . Have your dog stay in the bathroom ( not in the shower ) for up to 15 minutes a few times daily . This helps to moisten the airways and decrease irritation .
• Plenty of rest : Reduce the amount of exercise and heavy play your dog gets on a daily basis while they are recovering from kennel cough , which will help with healing and reduce coughing spells .
• Reduce irritants : Avoid anything that may irritate your dog ’ s respiratory tract during recovery , such as aerosol sprays , household cleaners , dust , and cigarette smoke .
• Harness : Harnesses are preferable over collars to walk a dog with Kennel Cough ( or any breathing issues ). Collars with leashes place extra pressure on the trachea , which induces coughing .
The treatment for kennel cough will depend on the severity of the condition . Many dogs completely recover on their own with no treatment at all . Supportive care , such as rest , nutrition , and hydration , is often enough . In some cases , a cough suppressant may be prescribed by your dog ’ s veterinarian to help reduce the frequency of the cough . Antibiotics may also be suggested to prevent a secondary infection . A dog with a severe case will most likely be coughing , acting very lethargic , and not wanting to eat or drink . If it reaches this stage , your dog needs to see a veterinarian immediately for treatment , which could involve hospitalization , Intravenous fluids , antibiotics , and possibly oxygen therapy .
Although Kennel Cough is a likely culprit when your dog is coughing , it ’ s important to report any such symptom to your veterinarian , since it could be a sign of a more serious disease , such as distemper , influenza , collapsed trachea , asthma , and heart disease .
There is a Kennel Cough vaccination , Bordetella , that can prevent your dog from getting this infection . The vaccine is available in oral , intra-nasal , and injectable forms , and is usually given in two doses two to four weeks apart , followed by a booster every six months to a year . Although most cases of Kennel Cough are caused by bordetella , some are caused by other agents . Because of this , the vaccine lessens , but does not guarantee , that your dog will not get Kennel Cough if it ' s exposed to the infection . Most boarding and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination in order for dogs to stay there . When looking for such services for your pet , ask about their vaccine requirements to ensure the dogs your pup will be in contact with are also vaccinated . Taking this preventative measure may help keep your pet protected .
Pawsitively Pets -- October
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