How to recognize, treat and prevent kennel cough in dogs.
Kennel cough is an infectious disease that causes cold-like symptoms, and heavy honk-like coughing in a dog. It is highly contagious and can be very dangerous if not treated immediately.
Dogs are most likely to get kennel cough if held in a location with a number of other dogs. In fact, such are the risks that most boarding kennels will require proof of vaccination before accepting your dog.
Young dogs and puppies are particularly susceptible, as their underdeveloped immune systems mean the disease takes hold quicker and more severely.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
The first signs of kennel cough are typical cold-like symptoms, including irritated eyes, runny nose and sneezing. This will then develop into the honk-like cough associated with the disease.
The cough will get worse if the dog is excited or avtive. It may even cause light vomiting, or cause the dog to cough up fluid.
Other symptoms include general depression, breathing problems, loss of appetite and fever. If you see even one of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
The vet will do a chest X-ray and will check for signs of pneumonia, as well as kennel cough. Blood and fecal samples will also be taken to rule out parasites as the cause of the symptoms.
Treating Kennel Cough
Kennel cough itself is not all that dangerous. It is similar to the human cold in that it does not respond to antibiotics, but will eventually die off on its own. It should however, not go untreated, as there is a real danger of secondary infections like pneumonia.
Cough suppressants and anti-virals may be prescribed, along with antibiotics (to treat secondary infection). The dog will also have to be kept separate from other dogs, be given plenty of fluids, and minimal exercise.
The disease is, of course, preventable by ensuring that your dog is vaccinated with the Kennel Cough vaccine.
