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Has your dog been coughing persistently, sounding like they’re hacking or choking? If so, you may be dealing with kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory condition common in dogs. While it can sound alarming, with the right care, most dogs recover fully. Let’s dive into what kennel cough is, its causes, and how you can help your furry friend feel better.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a condition that affects the upper respiratory system of dogs. The most distinctive symptom is a dry, hacking cough, but there are other signs to look out for as well:
- A persistent, honking cough
- Retching or gagging, sometimes after coughing
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite (in severe cases)
- Fever (less common but possible)
In most cases, symptoms are mild, but they can be more serious for puppies, senior dogs, or those with underlying health conditions. If your dog shows any signs of difficulty breathing, severe lethargy, or stops eating altogether, it’s important to contact a vet immediately.
🔍 Possible Causes
The term “kennel cough” is a bit misleading, as it doesn’t only occur in kennels. It’s caused by a combination of infectious agents, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most common bacterial culprit. However, viruses such as canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, or distemper virus can also play a role.
Here are some common ways dogs can contract kennel cough:
- Direct contact with an infected dog (sniffing, licking, or playing)
- Exposure to contaminated surfaces like food bowls, toys, or bedding
- Inhalation of airborne particles in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
Places where dogs gather, such as dog parks, grooming salons, daycare facilities, or boarding kennels, increase the risk of exposure. While it’s highly contagious, not all dogs will develop symptoms, and some may act as carriers, spreading the disease without appearing sick themselves.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
If your dog has mild symptoms of kennel cough, there are steps you can take at home to help them recover comfortably:
- Keep them isolated from other dogs to prevent spreading the infection.
- Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid irritating their throat.
- Provide a warm, humid environment by using a humidifier or taking them into a steamy bathroom.
- Encourage rest and avoid overexertion.
- Ensure they have access to fresh water and are eating a soft, palatable diet if their throat is sore.
While kennel cough often resolves on its own within one to two weeks, you can also ask your vet about over-the-counter cough suppressants or other supportive treatments. However, avoid giving your dog human medications without consulting a veterinarian first.
💡 When to Call a Vet
In some cases, kennel cough can lead to complications like pneumonia or more severe respiratory distress. You should contact a veterinarian if:
- Your dog is struggling to breathe or breathing very rapidly.
- The cough persists for more than two weeks or worsens over time.
- They develop a fever, become lethargic, or stop eating.
- You notice nasal discharge that is thick and yellow or green.
Young puppies, senior dogs, or those with underlying conditions like heart disease or a weakened immune system are at higher risk for complications and should be seen by a vet sooner rather than later.
Book a $49 online consultation with Dial A Vet if you’re unsure whether your dog needs immediate care or if you simply want guidance on how to help them recover.
FAQs
Q: Can kennel cough go away on its own?
A: Yes, in most cases, kennel cough resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, monitoring your dog and providing supportive care is crucial to ensure they recover fully.
Q: Is kennel cough dangerous?
A: For most healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is mild and not life-threatening. However, it can lead to complications like pneumonia in puppies, senior dogs, or those with underlying health conditions, so it’s important to monitor symptoms closely.
Q: Can my dog get kennel cough even if they’re vaccinated?
A: Vaccines for kennel cough, such as the Bordetella vaccine, significantly reduce the risk but don’t eliminate it entirely. Vaccinated dogs are less likely to develop severe symptoms if they do contract the illness.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
