What is Kennel Cough or Infectious Tracheobronchitis?
Kennel Cough or Infectious Tracheobronchitis are terms used interchangeably to describe a contagious infection causing inflammation of the upper airways, the throat and trachea (windpipe). Kennel Cough is caused by infection with either bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica or viruses like Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus type 2 or Canine Influenza virus. Infections with these bacteria or viruses cause inflammation and the resulting symptoms. Dogs most often become infected by close contact with other infected dogs through respiratory droplets. Places like dog parks, doggy parlours, doggy day care centres and dog kennels are places where potential infectious agents could be lurking!
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
The most notable symptom is the sudden onset of a harsh dry hacking cough often followed by gagging, retching and vomiting. The coughing, gag and retching can often be very distressing for pet owners and may appear as if something is stuck in the throat. It is not uncommon for distressed pet owners to present their coughing dogs to emergency department with the complaint of “there is something stuck in my dogs throat”! What is striking though is that despite the distressing cough the dogs are otherwise playful, alert and even still eating and drinking as normal. It should also be noted that some dogs like young pups, older dogs or immune compromised dogs can develop lower airway infections like pneumonia and bronchopneumonia. Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia are more serious diseases and certainly should be addressed as soon as possible. Lower airway symptoms include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing; a wet phlegmy cough; high temperature and lethargy. If these symptoms are noted take your pet to the vet immediately.
How is Kennel Cough diagnosed?
Diagnosis by a vet is usually based on the sudden onset of a characteristic dry cough which may be accompanied by gagging and retching. The patients are usually otherwise well. There may also be a history of recent visit to a place where a lot of dogs may frequent like a dog park. The vet may also be able to stimulate the cough by lightly pushing on the trachea, sometimes called a tracheal pinch sign. Also remember that not every cough is Kennel Cough! A cough can also be a symptom of other non-infectious diseases involving the trachea, lungs or heart, because of this the vet might want to take x-rays of the chest to make sure there are no other reasons for the cough.
How is Kennel Cough treated?
Kennel cough tends to be mild and sometimes self-limiting. Rest and good nutrition may be all that is needed. A vet may treat a patient with kennel cough with cortisone to help reduce the inflammation in the trachea. Sometimes antibiotics may be given for the possible bacterial cause for the cough. More intensive treatments in hospital may be needed should the infection result in pneumonia or bronchopneumonia.
Can I prevent my dog from getting Kennel Cough?
Most certainly prevention is always better than cure. Vaccinations can help prevent serious disease and is always advisable for young dogs. These vaccinations are given as routine vaccinations to puppies starting from 6 weeks old monthly up until the age of 14 weeks then yearly and protect against the viral causes of Kennel Cough. If your dog is going to kennels, an additional vaccine against the bacteria, Bordetella, is also recommended. Vaccination does not mean your dog want get sick but can mean that the infection will not be as severe should they get Kennel Cough.
So in summary, Kennel Cough is often a mild infection of the upper airways causing a sudden onset dry cough in an otherwise healthy dog. It is easily treated with rest, good nutrition and medications to ease the symptoms. Most dogs recover within 1 week and vaccinations are a great way to help keep your dog’s immune system strong.
