Kennel Cough In Dogs: Recognizing The Symptoms And How To Treat It

Kennel cough (or canine cough) is a general term used to describe dogs that have come down with one of the organisms that cause coughing in dogs.  Kennel cough symptoms usually include a mild, non-productive cough. If your dog is demonstrating these symptoms you should:

1. Quarantine your dog from other dogs. If your dog has kennel cough they are highly contagious to others. They should not come into contact with other dogs until they are symptom free.
2. Call your veterinarian. There are many other causes of cough in dogs and your veterinarian will help guide you through the different causes of kennel cough and how to treat them.
3. Allow your dog to breathe humidified air. Humidified air can help relieve irritated airways. Put your dog in the bathroom after you have had a shower or if you have a humidifier run it in the room your dog spends most of its time.
4. Keep your dog quiet and resting as much as possible. Excitement and exercise can exacerbate a cough.
5. When you visit the veterinarian, leave your dog in your vehicle until the reception area is clear of other dogs. At that time you can then directly take your dog into the exam room without exposing other dogs to this highly infectious disease.

Kennel cough is most serious in the very young and very old patients. These patients are more prone to developing pneumonia which can be life threatening. You shouldhave your dog vaccinatedfor kennel cough if you take them to the groomer, off-leash parks, obedience classes, day care or camping. These are areas of close contact between dogs and situations where they can become infected. Remember, the kennel cough vaccine is similar to the flu vaccine in that it protects against the most common cause of canine cough, Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs can still become infected with other organisms that cause coughing. Vaccinations may help decrease the severity of the disease if your dog develops an infectious cough.

If you think your dog has contracted kennel cough or need to have them vaccinated for it,contact us.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley