Suddenly stopping while walking because the dog has to cough heavily. Often there is also a gagging reflex. This behavior is typical of dogs suffering from kennel cough. Although it sounds bad, this disease is harmless in most cases. In this article, you will learn more about kennel cough in dogs and what should be considered.
What is kennel cough in dogs?
The technical term for the highly contagious infectious disease is “tracheobronchitis”. It is transmitted by droplet infection and also through the air. Dogs usually infect each other, but cats can also transmit this disease or vice versa.
Affects the upper respiratory tract as well as the bronchi and trachea in dogs. The animals that have a weakened immune system due to stress are particularly susceptible. The disease is caused by viruses and bacteria. Viral infection often precedes bacterial infection. The immune system weakened by the virus makes it easier for the bacteria to colonize and multiply. Dogs of any age can get the disease. It is even possible to fall ill several times a year. Dogs with stress, very young dogs whose immune system is still developing or older dogs are particularly at risk.
In the case of uncomplicated courses, the disease is usually cured after one to two weeks without any consequential damage and the respiratory tract is healthy again. However, when secondary infections come into play, the course of the disease can worsen. This can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Older dogs and puppies that are already weak are at greater risk of the disease becoming severe.
What is kennel cough in dogs?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, such as the bronchi and trachea.
Symptoms – How do I recognize kennel cough in dogs?
The incubation period can last from a few days to a month. After that, the first symptoms appear, such as a very strong dry cough. This strong urge to cough usually occurs quite suddenly. Especially when going for a walk, the pressure of the collar can suddenly lead to fits of coughing.
Many refer to the cough as the dog’s barking cough. This can be so severe that the animal begins to choke. It then looks as if the four-legged friend wants to get rid of something stuck in his throat. Apart from the coughing fits, however, the dogs did not show anything unusual for the time being.
If kennel cough is caused by bacteria, the symptoms look a little different. Typical of this is that the cough is wet, there is discharge from the eyes and the dogs often have to sneeze. However, the bacterial infection is rather rare in contrast to the viral one.
In the case of a serious illness, the sick dogs also suffer from tonsillitis and fever. In some cases, the dogs even refuse to drink because the throat is so mucous. Drinking leads to further coughing. This occurs especially at night and the dogs hardly get any rest. If left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia. The cough is no longer dry but contains mucous sputum. At this stage, the dog is not very resilient and suffers from a loss of appetite.
How can I tell kennel coughs from a cold?
When you have a cold, you often have other symptoms that are also typical for humans. These include, above all, a stuffy and runny nose, a slight fever or sluggishness. Since the symptoms of a cold sometimes also occur with kennel cough, the exact diagnosis should definitely be clarified by a veterinarian. Although not every cough has to mean an illness, it is advisable to show your four-legged friend to a veterinarian.
How does kennel cough affect dogs?
Kennel cough in dogs manifests itself in sudden strong coughing attacks, often in combination with the dog gagging. Many speak of the so-called “barking” cough.
Causes of kennel cough
There can be several reasons for a dog to develop kennel cough. Dogs usually become infected through contact with viruses from infected dogs or cats. The transmission takes place via the air but mainly by droplet transmission.
Infectious factors
Triggering pathogens are:
- Canine Para-Influenza Virus (CPIV)
The CPIV belongs to the family of paramyxoviruses. They are the trigger for irritation of the mucous membranes, nasal discharge, congestion and coughing.
- canine adenovirus (CAV-2)
Adenovirus has two different forms. CAV-2 is part of the kennel cough complex and is also called infectious laryngotracheitis. Respiratory symptoms are triggered. The reason for this is the irritation of both the larynx and the trachea. These cause inflammatory reactions.
- the canine herpes virus (CHV)
Pregnant bitches who develop CHV are at high risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. In addition, puppies often die a few days after birth. Vaccination should therefore be considered in a pregnant bitch.
- the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica
First, the dogs become infected with viruses that colonize the bronchi and damage the ciliated epithelium. As a result, bacteria and fungi can easily trigger a secondary infection. In the rarest of cases, bacteria cause an initial infection.
Non-infectious factors
In addition to viruses and bacteria, the following non-infectious factors can promote disease:
- Form of husbandry (kennel, group husbandry)
- lack of hygiene
- too warm or too cold conditions
- too low humidity
- physical and psychological stress
- malnutrition
- worm infestation
The risk of infection is greatest in places where dogs are in close contact with each other. This is particularly the case in animal shelters, animal boarding houses, at dog shows, in dog schools, or in breeding farms.
How long does kennel cough last in dogs?
Kennel cough in dogs should usually subside after about 2 weeks.
Diagnosis and treatment of the infection
Examination at the vet
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from kennel cough, you should always consult a vet immediately. In general, a veterinarian should be consulted if there is a urge to cough, in order to make a clear diagnosis and avoid possible secondary diseases.
When presenting the four-legged friend, it should be pointed out if it has previously had close contact with conspecifics or other animals that may be ill. In this way, the veterinarian can make a clear diagnosis relatively quickly based on the typical symptoms and these indications. He examines the dog first completely. Particular attention is paid to examining the dog’s windpipe to ensure that the problem is not caused by a foreign body. He also pays attention to behavioral problems and whether there is discharge from the nose or eyes. The trachea and lungs are listened to with a stethoscope.
If the course is complicated, the vet can examine the smear of the mucous membranes for the responsible bacteria and prescribe appropriate medication for recovery. In general, a swab in the throat and a saliva test are carried out in order to definitively identify the responsible pathogens. This can be used to see whether it is a virus or a bacteria. An antibiogram (laboratory test) helps to choose the right antibiotic.
Treatment and costs
The treatment is not always the same, it depends entirely on the pathogen and the patient. It’s the same with the costs. Every veterinarian is obliged to adhere to the fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT). Accordingly, no fixed prices are specified, but only a framework to which the veterinarians have to adhere. Depending on the situation of the case, different costs of veterinary treatment are due. There are also costs for medication, materials, laboratory services, travel costs, etc.
Therapeutic measures are initiated as necessary. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are recommended. In some cases, treatment with a remedy for the cough or fever is sufficient. Biological medicinal products also offer a good opportunity to prevent and effectively treat respiratory diseases with few side effects. A special ointment can be used for eye discharge. Regular measurement of body temperature should be part of the daily program in order to be able to assess the success of the therapy.
In any case, the dog should not be exposed to any stress. Moist and cool air can help to relieve the urge to cough somewhat. As a rule, the cough subsides after about two weeks. During this time you should avoid that the dog has contact with conspecifics or other small animals. Otherwise, they could become infected. Dog sports should be avoided during the regeneration period. The physical exertion would only put additional strain on the four-legged friend. In addition, contact with conspecifics could be difficult to avoid here.
What to do about kennel cough in dogs?
If you suspect your dog is suffering from kennel cough, the first thing you should do is see a veterinarian. Not every disease course is the same. The vet can make the clear diagnosis and prescribe the right medication.
Preventive measures
To prevent certain pathogens that cause kennel cough, you can have your dog vaccinated. Vaccinations against the canine para-influenza virus, the canine adenovirus type 2 and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica are possible. Although they do not directly avert an infection, in the event of infection they lead to a much weaker course of the disease. Dog owners in particular should take this route if they often meet other dogs with their dog, for example at dog shows or competitions.
Vaccination can also be useful for older dogs and dogs weakened by other diseases. It protects your darling from the main pathogens of kennel cough for 12 months. Booster vaccinations should be given annually. Nevertheless, there is a risk of infection, since different pathogens can trigger kennel cough.
A good general condition, a healthy diet and a healthy immune system are important to protect your dog from this disease. Healthy, wholesome nutrition and plenty of exercise in the fresh air are essential for a healthy dog life. Dog owners should also deworm their pet regularly to avoid the double burden of worm infestation and kennel cough.
Tips for taking notes:
- Strengthen the dog’s immune system (through wholesome nutrition)
- offer peace and warmth
- Sufficient exercise in the fresh air
- Lots of drinking
- (possibly vaccination)
