Kennel Cough

Infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough, as it is commonly called, is a very common disease that affects the respiratory tract of dogs. Since it is easily spread via the air, it is usually a problem in places where there is a high number of dogs. Such places include boarding kennels, shelters, groomers, obedience classes, etc. This article will discuss the common causes of kennel cough as well as the signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease.

Cause. Kennel cough is not caused by any one specific bacteria or virus. In most cases, there is the involvement of bacteria and a virus. Viruses that have been known to cause kennel cough include canine Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza, canine distemper virus, canine Herpes virus, and canine Reovirus. The bacteria involved are most often Bordetella, but can be E. Coli or Klebsiella, as well as others.

Recently, there have been outbreaks of canine influenza or canine flu in several states. Canine flu can often be confused with kennel cough, especially in the early stages of disease, since they can have similar signs. For current, up-to-date information on canine influenza, click here.

Signs. The most common sign seen is a dry, hacking cough. It may sound as if the animal is choking on something. Depending on the severity and progression of the disease, the affected dog may also be lethargic or depressed, not eating very well, have green or yellow nasal or ocular discharge, and even have a fever. Pneumonia can oftentimes be a serious complication of kennel cough. 

Diagnosis. Often times a good physical exam and the past history of the dog can provide a fairly accurate diagnosis of kennel cough. Sometimes it may be necessary to do bloodwork, cultures, radiographs, and other advanced diagnostic tests.

Treatment. For the most part, kennel cough is a self-limiting disease. This means that it will generally go away on its own. Certain cough medications may be given to stop the cough, as long as the cough is non-productive. In most instances, dogs are put on antibiotics to help to prevent secondary bacterial pneumonia from occurring. In advanced or complicated cases of kennel cough, additional supportive treatment is often needed.

Prevention. There are three major things that can be done to prevent your dogs from contracting kennel cough. First of all, it's vaccination. Most of the distemper vaccinations on the market are combination vaccines that vaccinate for the viruses 

most commonly involved in kennel cough. There are also several vaccines available for Bordetella, the bacteria that can cause kennel cough. All puppies should receive a series of distemper vaccines, every three weeks, from age 7-8 weeks to 16 weeks. All dogs should be boosted annually after that. An annual Bordetella vaccination is recommended for dogs that will frequently be exposed to other dogs (boarding, obedience, grooming, etc.). Secondly, if there is an outbreak, sick animals should be isolated away from other dogs, since it spreads so easily. And thirdly, in buildings that house a lot of dogs, careful cleaning and good sanitary measures should be practiced.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of your regular veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to contact your regular veterinarian if you have questions regarding your pet.