When the respiratory tract becomes inflamed from these microorganisms, the irritation can cause a persistent dry cough. If left untreated, upper respiratory infections can progress to become severe, especially in dogs with secondary health concerns. Keep reading to learn what kennel cough is, symptoms to look for, and how you can help your dog recover. Also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, Bordetella, or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs.
The irritation in the airways causes a dry cough and also increases the risk of secondary infections. Kennel cough is aptly named as it spreads quickly when there are many dogs in close quarters such as kennels and animal shelters. Kennel cough is most commonly caused by the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus, but other microorganisms can cause it as well.
There are several other factors that make dogs more susceptible to catching kennel cough, including:. Dogs with kennel cough generally maintain their appetite and energy levels. The classic symptoms of kennel cough include:. Kennel cough is rarely severe, and uncomplicated kennel cough will usually go away on its own.
However, medications are commonly given to help your dog recover quicker and prevent the condition from worsening.
DO NOT WORRY, Kennel Cough itself is not fatal but in rare cases, the virus could lead to bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs, so it is very important to get your dog checked if they have any of these symptoms:. Bordetella is the vaccine your dog will receive when they get their first puppy shots to help boost their immunity from the Kennel Cough virus. The tricky thing about the Bordetella vaccine, just like the human Flu vaccine, is that it does not protect against all strains of the bacteria found in some Kennel Cough cases.
Your dog IS protected from the Bordetella bacterial infection with this vaccine, which is the most contagious upper respiratory infection caused but is not protected from the wide range of them all. The vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and depending on the form, it is usually initially 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, including the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasmas, so the vaccine may not prevent your dog from catching the disease.
If you notice your pet coughing or if you plan to introduce your dog to large groups of animals, speak with your veterinarian. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.
Additional Resources AKC. RI Animal Med. What is Kennel Cough? Very Common, Usually Not Serious Canine infectious tracheobronchitis kennel cough is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Causes of Kennel Cough Kennel cough can be caused by a number of different airborne bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and viruses such as canine parainfluenza or a mycoplasma an organism somewhere between a virus and a bacteria.
Signs and Symptoms The primary sign of kennel cough is a dry-sounding, spasmodic cough caused by pathogens that induce inflammation of the trachea windpipe and bronchi air passages into the lungs. Treatment If your dog is suspected to have kennel cough, we will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent any secondary bacterial infection and a cough suppressant. More From the Blog.
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