Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, canine cough, Bordetella – no matter what you call it, it is a highly contagious illness. Every dog owner should know the symptoms – and what to do if you think your dog has contracted it.

The scientific name for what is commonly known as “kennel cough” is tracheobronchitis. Kennel cough is confusing because, just like the flu or COVID in humans, there can be several different strains, some of which are bacterial, and others are viruses. The most common strain is Bordetella bronchiseptica.

How Dogs Catch Kennel Cough

There are several ways dogs contract kennel cough. Both the viruses and bacteria particles are airborne, so dogs catch it by inhaling those particles, whether or not the infected dog is present at the time. The bacteria and viruses may also “live” for several days on objects dogs come into contact with, such as toys, bowls, fences, grass and dirt, clothing and shoes. Even though the illness was named due to association with kenneling dogs, they can also contract it anywhere they are in proximity (10-15 feet) with a dog that’s infected including through fencing with neighbors, Dog parks, passing other dogs while walking or hiking, Dog Daycares, Boarding, Visit to the vet’s office, Training group and even while your dog is leashed at a pet store or pet event.

Keep in mind some dogs can be carriers without showing symptoms. Puppies, young dogs and senior dogs are the most susceptible.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

There are several symptoms associated with kennel cough, but keep in mind that not all dogs get all symptoms. Here’s what to look for:

· A persistent, dry cough

· Retching or sounding like they are trying to “hack up something, such as a hairball.”

· Runny nose

· Lethargy (sometimes)

· Decreased appetite (sometimes)

· Fever (sometimes)

· Eye discharge

In mild cases, dogs won’t exhibit lethargy, decreased appetite or have a fever, but in serious cases, the condition can progress to include all of these symptoms. Left untreated, kennel cough can progress into pneumonia and death.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Kennel Cough

Here’s what to do if you think your dog might have kennel cough:

· The first thing to do is to keep your dog away from other dogs, including other dogs in your household. Even a slight cough once or twice a day means they ARE STILL CONTAGIOUS. Your dog should be kept away from other dogs until at a very minimum 10 days AFTER their last cough or symptom, and if they have had no vet treatment or antibiotics, they should be kept away from other dogs for at least 14 days to prevent the spread.

· Clean and disinfect your house from top to bottom to prevent other dogs from getting sick. Keep disinfecting regularly until your dog has been well for at least a week.

· Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

· Consider giving your dog honey to soothe your dog’s throat (about a teaspoon several times a day).

· Ask your vet about cough medicine.

· Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

· Keep your dog away from smoke.

· Keep your dog calm and not overly stressed (which can impede recovery).

· Your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics and something to soothe his or her cough and sore throat.

How to Prevent Kennel Cough

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to keep your Bordetella Vaccine current. Just keep in mind the vaccination doesn’t protect your dog from viruses or all bacterial strains. However, if your dog is vaccinated, the symptoms tend to be less serious, just when a person who has had the flu shot contracts the flu.

Make sure you know about the dogs your dog associates with, including your friend’s dogs. Be careful at the dog park. Definitely don’t take your dog to the dog park if he or she isn’t current with vaccinations, but even if your dog is vaccinated, you are taking a risk. Even if your pooch doesn’t play with toys at the dog park, drink out of any community bowls or engage in “mouthy” play with other dogs, your pooch is at still at risk just being there, as you have no way to verify if the other dogs are current on their vaccinations or free from disease.

Here at Happy Hound Daycare, we require all dogs to have an updated Bordetella every six months as the vaccine starts to weaken at the sixth month period, so you can rest easy knowing your dog is playing with dogs whose vaccinations have been verified. However, we do tend to get a breakout or two of kennel cough every year. Keep in mind we are diligent when it comes to sanitation. We clean everything weekly including the outside and we have had UVC w/Ozone installed.

If your dog coughs more than once or abnormal sneezing at daycare, we will separate him or her and call you immediately. We will ask you to come pick up your dog and ask that they are checked by your veterinarian before returning to daycare. We will be extra meticulous about sanitation (although we are very conscientious all the time).

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take him or her to the vet right away and please let us know so we can make all owners aware. We care about your dog and want to see him or her stay healthy.