Dogs may contract viruses and illnesses, just like us, and exhibit symptoms of the common cold or flu. A frequent respiratory infection in dogs called “kennel cough” is brought on by bacteria or viruses. These germs can irritate the respiratory system, which can lead to an ongoing dry cough.
Knowing how to treat your dog should it have kennel cough is crucial. Upper respiratory infections can become serious if left untreated, especially in dogs who already have other health issues. Discover what kennel cough is, how to spot the signs, and how to assist your dog’s recovery by reading about it.
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What is Kennel Cough?
When dogs come into contact with infectious secretions from the kennel cough virus, they frequently get the extremely contagious respiratory illness known as kennel cough. The age of the dog is connected to the symptoms and intensity, which can vary substantially. Both very young and extremely old dogs may be at risk of dying from kennel cough.
The term “kennel cough” refers to a sickness brought on by germs and viruses, with a hacking cough being the primary symptom. The “kennel” part of the term refers to the fact that most dog infections occur in a communal environment where dogs share air and surfaces. The cough can be brought on by a variety of germs or viruses, thus the all-inclusive moniker “kennel cough.” Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica are the most common pests. Viral infection in young dogs can make the lungs more susceptible to bacterial invasion, leading to real pneumonia.
Additional elements that increase a dog’s risk of contracting kennel cough include:
- Age, especially in pups whose immune systems are still developing4
- Stress Exposed to smoke or dust
- Chilly conditions
Symptoms Of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough often only causes minor symptoms, includes little to no pneumonia, and goes away in 5 to 7 days. A kennel cough consequence called pneumonia, or inflammation and consolidation of the lung tissue, may be indicated by severe symptoms coupled with an inability to eat.
It might be challenging to distinguish this illness from canine distemper pneumonia, which can cause respiratory symptoms before attacking the neurological system.
Pneumonia can also strike young animals due to a compromised immune system or a failure to combat an infection. In certain situations, specific diagnostic tests may be necessary. A wet or productive cough, fast breathing, nasal discharge, loud breathing noises, lethargy or depression, lack of appetite, and/or weight loss are all signs of bacterial pneumonia in dogs. Consultation with your veterinarian is recommended in response to these symptoms of disease and the persistence of a wet cough for more than two or three days. Young animals in particular are more susceptible to dehydration due to a combination of fever and dehydration.
Being Aware
Many pet owners first become aware of potential kennel cough when their dog exhibits unusual noises. A kennel cough sounds like your dog is struggling to swallow something that is lodged in its throat. Your dog could make a “honking” noise that sounds like a hacking cough,
How is Kennel Cough Transmitted?
When dogs are gathered together and breathe the same air, the kennel cough virus can spread quickly. Symptoms of kennel cough in adult, healthy dogs often include a nasty cough and a runny nose, but in puppies and older dogs, it can be fatal,
Treatment
By counting and classifying the white blood cells in the blood, a complete blood count (CBC) may be used to gauge how well the body is fighting illness. A dog or cat with pneumonia typically has an increase in its overall white cell count. When germs are the cause of pneumonia, more neutrophils, a kind of white blood cell, are exposed. Eosinophils, a kind of white blood cell, can rise due to parasites or an allergic reaction. In addition fungal infections typically result in increases in both neutrophils and monocytes (another white blood cell).
Before starting medication, your veterinarian may do a urinalysis and a blood chemical profile to check that liver and kidneys are healthy.
Pneumonia
When pneumonia is suspected, chest x-rays are usually suggested. The x-ray pattern aids in identifying pneumonia’s most likely etiology and evaluating the disease’s severity. Your veterinarian may suggest light sedation or anesthesia retrieve samples from the airway for culture and analysis. This depends on the alterations that are seen on the x-ray and the overall health of your animal. There are options for airway sampling, including tracheal washing and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage.
The majority of animals with pneumonia often need to get first care in a hospital. This is especially true if your pet needs oxygen treatment or is dehydrated. Supportive care is crucial for pneumonia recovery. Animals frequently get “nebulization” and “coupage” therapy in addition to these treatments to clear out extra pulmonary secretions to enhance breathing. This sort of therapy involves giving your dog or cat moist air in a small enclosed space. In addition to gently tapping the chest with a cupped palm to break up mucus. Additionally, this treatment is occasionally necessary after an animal is released from the vet. A respiratory treatment department or hospital supply firm both sell ultrasonic nebulizers for home usage.
Cough suppressants shouldn’t be administered early in the course of the disease. This is because infectious secretions might become stuck in the airways and exacerbate pneumonia. Mechanical evacuation of mucus and infectious organisms is crucial in animals with pneumonia.
Antibiotics
Treatment for bacterial pneumonia must include particular medicines that are aimed at the lung-isolated pathogens. Once the animal’s clinical state has improved, oral drugs can be switched from intravenous (IV) antibiotics in severe situations. Your pet must receive the complete course of therapy with all prescription antibiotics. Please talk to your veterinarian before quitting any drugs. Any drug used to treat pneumonia may have unwanted side effects including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Other Side Treatments
Do not give your dog any over-the-counter drugs for human colds and coughs in addition to the medication your veterinarian has given. Here are a few risk-free home remedies you may try to make your dog feel better:
- To assist in moistening your dog’s air passages and lessen discomfort, use a humidifier or bring your dog into the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
- To lessen coughing spells when walking, switch to a harness from a collar.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a follow-up checkup if no improvement is noticed after a week of therapy.
Vaccine
Bordetella vaccination is available to help shield your dog from this bacteria. It can be given intravenously or by injection. The Bordetella vaccination is readily accessible and effective at preventing the most typical form of kennel cough. It does not, however, result in a 100% guarantee against kennel cough because there are other kinds of germs and viruses that might cause the disease. Consult your primary care veterinarian for further details on the kennel cough vaccination.
For dogs who often interact with other dogs in social settings, vaccinations against the canine parainfluenza virus and/or the bacterium bordetella bronchiseptica are available.
It is crucial to remain vigilant, especially if your dog has come into contact with other dogs because it is still possible for dogs to have kennel cough even after receiving a vaccination. Do not wait to take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup if you think it may be ill.
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Conclusion
Upper respiratory infections can become serious if left untreated, especially in dogs who already have other health issues. Remember that both very young dogs and older dogs can get kennel cough. Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica are the most common pests. A wet or productive cough, fast breathing, nasal discharge, loud breathing noises, lethargy or depression, lack of appetite, and/or weight loss are all signs of bacterial pneumonia in dogs. The Bordetella vaccination is readily accessible and effective at preventing the most typical form of kennel cough. It is crucial to remain vigilant. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough you should see your vet immediately.
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