🐶 Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Complete Treatment
Kennel cough, medically known as Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, is a common respiratory disease in dogs, especially those frequently in crowded environments such as shelters, pet hotels, training centers, or grooming salons.
Although it may sound alarming, kennel cough can be treated and prevented with the right steps. This article will cover the causes, transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips in detail.
📌 What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection in dogs caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria attacking the trachea and bronchi.
💡 While usually mild, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia in puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.
🦠 Causes of Kennel Cough
Viruses
- Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV)
- Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2)
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Coronavirus (CCoV)
Bacteria
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (most common)
Risk Factors
- Poorly ventilated enclosed environments
- Stress (travel, intense training, new surroundings)
- Exposure to other dogs
- Low immune system
🔄 How Kennel Cough Spreads
- Airborne: Coughing or sneezing from infected dogs
- Direct contact: Nose-to-nose touching, licking
- Contaminated objects: Food bowls, cages, toys
🛑 Incubation period is 3–10 days. Even after recovery, dogs may continue spreading the disease for several weeks.
🚨 Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
The most notable symptom is a severe, dry cough that sounds like honking or choking. Other symptoms include:
- Cough worsens when excited or pulling on a leash
- Sneezing
- Runny nose or eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Mild fever
If the cough becomes wet and pus-like, accompanied by high fever, it could be a sign of pneumonia.
🏥 Diagnosing Kennel Cough
Diagnosis is usually made by a veterinarian through:
- Medical and environmental history
- Physical examination
Additional tests (if needed):
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
- Throat swab to identify bacteria
💊 Treating Kennel Cough
Treatment depends on severity. For mild cases:
1. Home Care
- Plenty of rest in a quiet place
- Adequate fluids to prevent dehydration
- Humidifiers or steam to ease coughing
2. Medications
- Antibiotics (if bacterial cause)
- Cough suppressants
- Anti-inflammatories (for fever)
- Nebulizer with antibiotic or saline steam
❗ Never give human cough medicine to dogs without veterinary advice!
🛑 Possible Complications
- Pneumonia: Infection spreads to the lungs
- Chronic bronchitis
- Weight loss due to low appetite
- Transmission to other dogs
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows:
- Coughing blood
- Difficulty breathing
- No appetite for more than 2 days
- Severe lethargy
💉 Preventing Kennel Cough
1. Vaccination
- Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine (injection or nasal spray)
- Usually given annually or more often for dogs frequently in public facilities
2. Avoid Exposure
- Don’t bring unvaccinated dogs to crowded areas
- Isolate sick dogs
3. Maintain Cleanliness
- Wash food and water bowls regularly
- Disinfect cages
- Avoid sharing leashes, toys, or food
4. Boost Immunity
- Provide complete and balanced nutrition
- Consider immune supplements (vet recommended)
- Ensure adequate physical and mental activity
🐾 Dogs Most at Risk
- Puppies under 6 months
- Senior dogs
- Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs)
- Dogs with weak immune systems
🤝 Can It Spread to Humans?
Rarely. Bordetella bronchiseptica very rarely infects humans, usually only those with:
- Immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS)
- Cancer patients on chemotherapy
- Elderly with chronic lung disease
📌 Conclusion
Kennel cough is not usually fatal but can become serious if untreated. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and prevention steps is essential to keep your dog healthy.
Regular vet checkups and complete vaccinations are crucial. If you notice early signs such as persistent coughing or sneezing, take preventive action before it spreads to other dogs in your household.
