by Angie Pollock

Created on: September 22, 2008

Highly contagious but also preventable, kennel cough has a variety of causes. The most common cause is the parainfluenza virus working in conjunction with the bacteria known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs that congregate in large groups such as kennels, dog shows or dog shelters are prone to this ailment thus the name, kennel cough. One coughing dog can spread the virus to hundreds within a group. Dogs that are exposed to other respiratory factors such as second-hand smoke or fumes are known to be more susceptible to this disease.

SIGNS

The signs of kennel cough are much like that of a bad cold. The irritating cough has been compared to the sound of a "honking goose". While the dog may physically feel or act fine, the cough will be dry and sounds terrible. This coughing can last up to a week and possibly for even a longer period of time. In severe cases, kennel cough can turn into pneumonia. In this case, the dog is clearly ill with more than a cough. The dog may run a fever, lose their appetite, become lethargic and have nasal discharge.

TREATMENT

For dogs that have a mild case of kennel cough, minimal treatment is required. A vaporizer that is commonly used for humans will help quiet the cough and make the dog more comfortable. Hard work or extreme exercise can irritate the respiratory system so allow the dog to rest as much as possible. A veterinarian can subscribe a cough suppressant if needed.

When the symptoms have gone beyond an irritating cough, seek veterinarian care. When the mild case of kennel cough has turned into pneumonia, a veterinarian will subscribe antibiotics and for extreme cases, the dog may need to be placed into an oxygen cage to help with breathing. It is important that any dog with this virus be kept quarantined from other animals.

Kennel cough is also known as infectious canine cough, canine cough and infectious respiratory disease. Whatever the name, kennel cough is preventable. There are different vaccination protocols that can be utilized to prevent this disease. The Bordetella vaccine can be administered either by intramuscular or intranasal. An owner may also want to consider a parainfluenza virus vaccine during routine vaccinations.

Although most states do not require a Bordetella vaccine for dogs, an owner should seriously consider this option especially if the dog is housed or congregates where other dogs are in groups such as dog parks and kennels. Dog shows are another concern for contracting the virus however; most dog shows require this vaccination before the dog can attend the show. Most dog owners do not vaccinate for this respiratory disease and it can easily be transmitted. The vaccine is readily available, can be administered during a routine check-up and is fairly inexpensive. Preventive medicine can save your dog from catching the virus and could save the owner time and money if their pet happens to come into contact with the virus.

Sources:

THE EVERYTHING DOG HEALTH BOOK by Kim Campbell Thornton and Debra Eldredge, DVM, copyright 2005

THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG HEALTH AND CARE by Sally Bordwell, special consultant Alan Dubowy, DVM, copyright 1994

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