Unfortunately, kennel cough is one of those canine diseases that can be worse than it sounds. Far from a case of doggy sniffles, kennel cough is contagious, painful, and in some circumstances, life-threatening. As such, it’s imperative that Dog Owners know the risks of this respiratory infection and how to prevent it.
In this article, we’ll talk about symptoms, treatment, and how you and your dedicated Pet Sitter can lower your dog’s risk of contracting or spreading kennel cough.
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is an umbrella term for a respiratory infection in dogs. There are many possible bacteria or viruses that can trigger the infection, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, mycoplasma, the parainfluenza virus, and more.
The resulting infection targets the dog’s windpipe and bronchi (the airways that connect your dog’s windpipe to their lungs). And the symptoms include:
- A distinctive dry cough
- Runny nose and eyes
- Sneezing
- Wheezing and gagging
While these symptoms could be confused with a common cold – read more on our article answering the question, ‘Can dogs get colds?‘ – it’s important to always consult your vet so you can get your dog the most appropriate form of treatment.
Even if your dog regularly suffers from allergies, these more severe symptoms should be checked out by a professional.
Why is it called “kennel cough”?
Traditionally, kennel cough got its name from the fact that viruses and bacteria are more easily transferred in tightly-packed areas. Boarding kennels, dog shows, grooming businesses, and dog training centres are all places where dogs are in close quarters, putting them at higher risk for contracting kennel cough. This can be even more true if there isn’t adequate ventilation or sanitation.
That’s not to say that your dog will only contract it in these facilities. Just like humans can so easily spread the common cold, kennel cough can be hard to avoid. Dog parks, beaches, and doggy playdates with friends can also be places where infected dogs spread it.
What are the treatments?
If you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, their vet will want to do a full examination. This will tell them the severity of the case and the cause.
If the case is mild, your vet may prescribe a rest period so that your dog can fight the infection themselves. In a more serious case, the vet may instead prescribe antibiotics or medication to soothe their cough.
In both scenarios, the sick pup should not come into contact with any other dogs until they are no longer contagious. And, special care should be taken so that they don’t infect surfaces that other dogs will come into contact with, such as shared water bowls or dog beds.
One important thing to remember is that a dog can be contagious even after their symptoms have gone away. Always follow your vet’s instructions on how long to keep your pup away from other dogs.
Is there a kennel cough vaccine?
Yes, and no.
Because it can be the result of a number of different viruses and bacteria, a single kennel cough vaccine doesn’t actually exist.
But, even so, you might have heard about getting your dog vaccinated against kennel cough. So what’s the deal?
When vets talk about a kennel cough vaccine, they’re often referring to the Bordetella vaccine. Since this strain of bacteria is one of the most common causes for the illness, the vaccine against it is sometimes called the kennel cough vaccine. Some vaccines also include protection against other common causes for the illness.
Getting the annual vaccine is recommended for all dogs. Because kennel cough can be caused by more than one factor, though, the vaccine is not a guarantee that a pup will never contract it.
Are some dogs at higher risk for complications?
Yes, there are a few factors that can increase a dog’s likelihood to contract kennel cough.
Age is a big one. Puppies are in a high risk group when it comes to most diseases, including kennel cough. Until your puppy has had all of their vaccinations, it’s a good idea to keep them away from areas where they’ll be in contact with other dogs.
Senior dogs can also face a high risk from this illness. Older dogs, or dogs with an existing respiratory condition, may find it hard to fight off the infection. And, their recovery period may be longer.
Breed also plays a role in how well a dog can fight off this illness. Brachycephalic breeds – including but not limited to; Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus – may require special care, especially if they’re respiratory system is compromised.
Stress is another big factor in a dog’s vulnerability. Whether your pup is traveling, injured, sick, over-exercised, or stressed from a life change, they may be more susceptible to contracting kennel cough.
Things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting kennel cough
Luckily, there are plenty of small steps that you can take to help your pup avoid or fight off kennel cough:
- Give your dog an overall healthy lifestyle. An overall healthy lifestyle will make sure that your dog’s immune system is strong. Daily exercise, a well-balanced dog diet, mental stimulation, proper hydration, and plenty of rest will go a long way in protecting your pup from disease.
- Don’t miss out on vaccinations. Even the healthiest pupper can benefit from a kennel cough vaccine!
- Wash their toys, especially the ones that travel with them. Whether your dog is a fetch fanatic or frisbee pro, make sure that those toys get a good wash about once per week. This can also protect your dog from other bacterial diseases, such as Leptospirosis.
- Disinfect the hard surfaces in your car. Regular car cleaning can ensure that you’re not carrying germs around
- Rely on individualised Pet Sitting and Doggy Day Care instead of over-crowded kennels. Whether you’re looking for someone to look after your doggo for the day or during your upcoming vacation, there are many reasons to opt for local Pet Day Care instead of a kennel. The individualised experience will mean that your pup gets the attention and exercise they need, while lowering the risk for contracting illnesses from other dogs.
- Take special care during colder months. Your pup is more likely to contract germs during the colder months, when they spend more time inside and their immune systems might not be quite as strong. Keep a lookout for potential symptoms and keep your pup home if they’re feeling sick.
Many of these steps are part of a pup’s healthy lifestyle, so you may already be doing them. If not, you’ll find the changes simple to implement, and they’ll give your pup a much better chance at avoiding kennel cough.
