Canine infectious respiratory disease complex—also known as kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis—is a highly contagious and common condition affecting puppies and adult dogs. The disease causes inflammation of the dog's trachea and bronchi, which are tubes leading to the lungs. All dogs are susceptible, but the disease is most common in dogs exposed to crowded conditions found in boarding kennels, doggy day cares, animal shelters, dog shows, bad breeders , or other stressful conditions.
Most cases cause only mild disease with signs that tend to be more aggravating to owners than dangerous to the dog. But kennel cough can develop into life-threatening pneumonia. This illness is rarely if ever contagious to humans. Kennel cough is a condition that can be caused by any one or a combination of several different infectious agents.
The most common culprits are the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma, the canine parainfluenza virus, and the canine adenovirus-2 CAV Cilia normally protect the respiratory tract by clearing away irritants like dust, bacteria, and other microorganisms with wave-like motions similar to wind moving across a grassy field. When they are damaged, the protective mechanism breaks down, which increases the chances that one or more infections will develop.
Kennel cough spreads through the saliva and nasal secretions. It can happen by direct contact when your puppy sniffs or licks an infected dog or a contaminated object in the environment. However, coughing also transmits the agents through the air from one dog to another. Signs usually develop two to ten days following exposure, which is another good reason to quarantine new puppies.
The typical sign of kennel cough is, in fact, a chronic high-pitched honking cough. Your puppy tugging at its leash may result in a paroxysm. Less commonly, there is also nasal or eye discharge and some dogs may suffer a slight fever or loss of appetite. The signs can last from a few days to several weeks.
For instance, if your puppy recently was adopted from a shelter or kennel, or spent time at a boarding facility, those are all risk factors. In most cases, it's not important to identify the infectious agent responsible for a dog's symptoms, but tests can be run if that becomes necessary. Kennel cough can develop into a vicious cycle.
The infection causes irritation that prompts a cough. But the honking cough causes even more irritation. Mild cases may resolve at home with rest and nursing care, but if a puppy's symptoms are severe or fail to improve relatively rapidly, veterinary care will be necessary.
Cough suppressants to relieve persistent coughing can help. Speak to your veterinarian for treatment recommendations. If you have a household with multiple pets and one shows signs of a cough, chances are all dogs in the home have been exposed.
A vaccine is available for the bordetella bacterium, which is the most common agent to cause kennel cough. Dogs who are frequently boarded, visit doggie day care, compete in canine sports, or otherwise are exposed to large groups of dogs may benefit from the vaccine, and many training, boarding, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination.
The vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and depending on the form, it is usually initially given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.
Although most cases of kennel cough are caused by bordetella, some are caused by other agents, including the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasmas, so the vaccine may not prevent your dog from catching the disease. If you notice your pet coughing or if you plan to introduce your dog to large groups of animals, speak with your veterinarian.
Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. If you take your dog outside, consider using a harness instead of a collar. Home Dog Care Center. Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatments. Published: June 30, Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful?
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