Although dogs can sometimes cough when they are excited, when a dog develops a persistent cough, the culprit is usually one condition – kennel cough. This highly contagious cough was originally associated with boarding kennels, but dogs can pick up this disease anywhere they are in close proximity to another dog, such as animal shelters and vet hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to how easily it spreads, dog owners must become knowledgeable about the information surrounding kennel cough. It is important to understand what this condition is, the symptoms, the treatment, and the prevention; these are all aspects this article will explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or canine infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), otherwise known as kennel cough, is a respiratory infection that can cause a dry, hacking cough in dogs. It is caused by several bacteria, like Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the most common cause, and viruses, such as canine parainfluenza. As the signs and treatment are the same in most cases, these conditions have been grouped together as one – kennel cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Much like a human cold, the viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough are very easy to pick up. Despite its name, catching kennel cough is not limited to boarding kennels; it can be spread wherever there is or has been an infected dog.<\/p>\n\n\n
Kennel cough symptoms usually begin within three to ten days of exposure. The best-known symptom of kennel cough is a harsh cough that sounds similar to the honking noise geese make. Retching might also occur due to the forcefulness of the cough. This cough can last for several weeks; some dogs’ immune systems will be able to fight off the condition, while others will require veterinary treatment to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are other symptoms that dogs might experience, depending on the severity of the kennel cough. You might find your dog has a mild fever and runny nose, or it might be more tired than usual or uninterested in food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And although it is extremely rare, this disease can worsen into pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n
The bacteria and viruses that cause kennel cough can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog, in the air, or by touching a contaminated surface, like toys or food bowls. This is why the risk is greater in areas with many dogs, such as in boarding kennels, dog parks, or dog shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs catch kennel cough when they inhale the bacteria and\/or viruses, which causes inflammation of the larynx and trachea. Factors that make catching kennel cough more likely are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog is in the vet’s waiting room, take care to avoid other dogs that might also be there and the communal water bowl. These dogs could carry the disease, spreading it to your dog because of the close proximity. Similarly, check with dog walkers<\/a> if they require proof of vaccination, especially if they offer group walking sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan Cats Catch Kennel Cough?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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