If you have ever heard your dog make a sound that resembles a goose honking or a dry, hacking cough that sounds like they have something caught in their throat, you have likely encountered kennel cough. This common respiratory infection is one of the most frequent reasons dog owners visit the veterinarian. While it can sound frightening, understanding the mechanics of the condition, how it spreads, and how to manage it can help you keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy.
Kennel cough, scientifically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs of all ages and breeds can contract it, especially those that spend time in social settings. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into every aspect of kennel cough to ensure you are fully prepared to handle an outbreak or, better yet, prevent one from happening in the first place.
What Exactly is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is not caused by a single pathogen. Instead, it is a complex of infections involving various bacteria and viruses. It affects the upper respiratory system, specifically the trachea (windpipe) and the bronchial tubes. When a dog inhales these infectious particles, the lining of their respiratory tract becomes inflamed and irritated, leading to the characteristic persistent cough.
- It is similar to a chest cold in humans, often involving a mix of viral and bacterial agents.
- The inflammation makes the throat extremely sensitive; even light pressure from a collar can trigger a coughing fit.
- While most cases are mild, it can progress to more serious conditions like pneumonia in vulnerable dogs.
- The name "kennel cough" comes from the fact that it spreads rapidly in locations where many dogs congregate, such as boarding kennels.
The Biological Causes Behind the Infection
The most common primary cause of kennel cough is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. However, it is rarely acting alone. Often, the bacteria take advantage of a respiratory system already weakened by a virus. Some of the most common viral contributors include:
- Parainfluenza virus
- Canine adenovirus type 2
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine herpesvirus
- Canine reovirus
When these pathogens work together, the dog's natural defenses in the respiratory tract—tiny hair-like structures called cilia—become overwhelmed. Once the cilia are compromised, they can no longer sweep away mucus and debris, allowing the infection to settle in and cause irritation.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Identifying kennel cough early is crucial for preventing its spread to other animals. The symptoms usually appear 3 to 10 days after exposure. While the cough is the most prominent sign, there are several other indicators that your dog might be fighting an infection.
- The Persistent Honking Cough: This is a dry, forceful cough that sounds uniquely like a goose honk. It is often worse at night or after exercise.
- Gagging or Retching: Dogs often look like they are trying to clear their throat or vomit up a hairball at the end of a coughing fit.
- Nasal Discharge: You might notice a clear or slightly cloudy discharge from the nose.
- Sneezing: While less common than coughing, some dogs will experience sneezing spells.
- Mild Fever: In more moderate cases, the dog might run a slight temperature.
- Lethargy: A dog that is usually energetic may seem tired or uninterested in play.
- Loss of Appetite: While many dogs with kennel cough eat normally, some may lose interest in food if they feel unwell.
When to Call the Veterinarian
Most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own with rest, but there are times when professional intervention is mandatory. You should contact your vet if:
- The cough is accompanied by a thick, yellow, or green discharge from the nose or eyes.
- Your dog seems to be struggling to breathe or is breathing very rapidly.
- The dog refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours.
- Your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a pre-existing health condition.
- The cough does not show signs of improvement after a week of home care.
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Understanding the transmission of kennel cough is the key to prevention. It is an airborne disease, meaning it travels through the air in tiny droplets of moisture. When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, they release millions of infectious particles into the environment.
- Direct Contact: Touching noses, licking, or playing with an infected dog.
- Contaminated Surfaces: Sharing water bowls, toys, or bedding where the pathogens can survive for short periods.
- Aerosol Transmission: Inhaling the air in a space where an infected dog has recently been.
- Human Transmission: While humans don't "get" kennel cough from dogs, we can carry the bacteria on our hands or clothes from one dog to another.
High-Risk Environments
If your dog frequents certain areas, they are at a higher risk of exposure. These "hotspots" include:
- Boarding facilities and kennels.
- Doggy daycare centers.
- Grooming salons.
- Dog parks and public beaches.
- Animal shelters and rescue groups.
- Training classes and agility trials.
Diagnosing Kennel Cough
When you take your dog to the vet, they will perform a physical exam and ask about your dog's history. There is no single "blood test" that instantly confirms kennel cough. Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs and a history of exposure to other dogs.
- Physical Exam: The vet will gently palpate (press on) the dog's trachea. If the dog immediately coughs, it is a strong indicator of kennel cough.
- History: The vet will ask if the dog has been to a kennel or park recently.
- Rule Out Other Issues: In some cases, the vet may take X-rays to ensure the dog doesn't have a collapsing trachea, heart failure, or pneumonia.
- Swabbing: In severe or persistent cases, the vet might take a swab of the throat or nose to identify the specific bacteria or virus causing the issue.
Effective Treatment Options
Treatment for kennel cough depends on the severity of the symptoms. For many healthy adult dogs, the condition is self-limiting and will go away with time, much like a human cold.
Professional Medical Treatments
If your vet determines that the infection is bacterial or that your dog is at risk for complications, they may prescribe:
- Antibiotics: These are used to fight the Bordetella bacteria and prevent secondary infections like pneumonia.
- Cough Suppressants: These help reduce the frequency of the cough, allowing the throat to heal and the dog (and you) to sleep better.
- Bronchodilators: In rare cases, these are used to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
- Anti-inflammatories: To reduce the swelling in the throat and bronchial tubes.
Home Care and Remedies
Managing kennel cough at home is focused on comfort and reducing irritation. You can help your dog recover faster by following these steps:
- Rest: Keep your dog quiet and discourage running or barking, as exercise will trigger coughing fits.
- Humidification: Place a humidifier near your dog's sleeping area or bring them into the bathroom while you shower to let the steam soothe their airways.
- Harness Use: Switch from a collar to a harness for walks to avoid putting pressure on the sensitive trachea.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water to keep the throat moist.
- Honey: A small teaspoon of honey can sometimes soothe a dry throat (consult your vet first, and never give honey to puppies).
- Isolation: Keep your dog away from all other dogs for at least two weeks after the coughing stops to prevent spreading the disease.
Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe
While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of kennel cough, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog getting sick or suffering from a severe case.
The Importance of Vaccination
The most effective tool in your prevention toolkit is the kennel cough vaccine. There are three main ways this vaccine is administered:
- Intranasal: Drops are squirted into the nose. This provides the fastest local immunity in the respiratory tract.
- Oral: A liquid is placed in the dog's cheek pouch.
- Injectable: A traditional shot, usually given in two doses initially, followed by boosters.
It is important to note that the vaccine does not protect against every single virus that can cause kennel cough, but it does cover the most common and severe ones. Think of it like the human flu shot—even if your dog gets sick, the symptoms will likely be much milder.
Environmental Management
Beyond vaccines, good hygiene and management practices play a huge role in prevention:
- Choose Facilities Wisely: Only use boarding or daycare facilities that require proof of vaccination from all participants.
- Cleanliness: Regularly wash your dog's bowls, toys, and bedding with pet-safe disinfectants.
- Avoid Outbreaks: If you hear that a local dog park has several reported cases of kennel cough, avoid that area for a few weeks.
- Ventilation: Ensure your dog spends time in well-ventilated areas, as stagnant air can concentrate infectious particles.
Kennel Cough in Puppies and Seniors
While an adult dog with a strong immune system usually bounces back quickly, kennel cough can be more dangerous for specific groups.
- Puppies: Their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to the infection progressing into pneumonia.
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs may have weakened immune systems or underlying heart or lung issues that kennel cough can exacerbate.
- Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs with "flat faces" (like Pugs or Bulldogs) already have narrow airways. The inflammation from kennel cough can cause significant respiratory distress for them.
Conclusion
Kennel cough is a common hurdle for many dog owners, but with the right knowledge, it is manageable. By recognizing the symptoms early, providing proper home care, and seeking veterinary advice when necessary, you can ensure your dog recovers quickly. Remember that the "honking" sound is often the worst part of the illness for healthy dogs, but the real key is prevention through vaccination and responsible socialization. Keep an eye on your pet, stay up to date with their shots, and your dog will be back to their happy, energetic self in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How long does kennel cough last?
In most cases, the active coughing phase lasts for about 10 to 20 days. However, the dog can remain contagious for several weeks even after the cough has stopped. It is generally recommended to isolate your dog for at least 14 days after the final cough.
Can humans catch kennel cough?
It is extremely rare, but the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium can occasionally infect humans with severely compromised immune systems. For the average healthy person, there is no risk of catching kennel cough from their dog.
Can cats get kennel cough?
Yes, cats can contract Bordetella. While it is less common in cats than in dogs, it can cause upper respiratory infections in feline populations, especially in shelters or multi-pet households. If your dog is sick, it is a good idea to keep them away from the family cat as well.
Is the kennel cough vaccine mandatory?
While not legally required by the state in most places, the vaccine is almost always mandatory for dogs entering boarding facilities, grooming salons, or training classes. It is considered a "lifestyle" vaccine by veterinarians.
Can my dog get kennel cough more than once?
Unfortunately, yes. Because kennel cough is caused by a variety of different pathogens, your dog can develop the infection again if they are exposed to a different strain or if their immunity from a previous infection or vaccine has waned.
Does kennel cough go away on its own?
In many healthy dogs, kennel cough is a self-limiting illness that will resolve on its own with rest and good care. However, you should always monitor your dog closely to ensure it doesn't turn into something more serious like pneumonia.
What does a kennel cough sound like?
The most common description is a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a goose honking. It is distinct from a "wet" cough because it rarely produces much phlegm, although the dog may gag at the end of the cough.