Embrace a Happy and Healthy Canine Companion: Navigating Kennel Cough
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| Kennel Cough: A Guide to Doggie Coughs and Care |
Is your furry friend releasing his or her inner opera singer with a persistent cough? It could be kennel cough, a common and contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Although not usually serious, kennel cough can leave your canine companion feeling under the weather.
Uncovering the culprit behind kennel cough
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD), is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. These bad guys attack your dog’s airways, causing coughing, wheezing and other respiratory symptoms.
Signs of a dog cough
The most common symptom is a dry, hacking cough that often sounds like a honking goose. This cough can be triggered by exercise, excitement or irritants such as dust or smoke. Other signs of kennel cough include
A watery or mucous discharge from the dog’s nose, often associated with kennel cough, but can also be caused by allergies, irritation from dust or smoke, or upper respiratory infections.
Sneezing:
Sneezing: Repeated violent expulsion of air from the dog’s nose, often caused by kennel cough.
Lethargic behavior:
Kennel cough in dogs is often associated with a lack of energy or enthusiasm,
Loss of appetite:
A Decrease in the dog’s usual food intake, often caused by kennel cough, but also due to other illnesses, nausea, mouth pain or stress.
Mild fever:
The Kennel Cough Contagion
Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads easily through airborne
droplets released when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. These droplets can
land on surfaces or be inhaled by other dogs. Direct contact with an
infected dog, such as sharing toys or food bowls, can also spread the
infection.
For more information on the transmission of kennel cough, refer to the CDC’s page on canine infectious respiratory disease complex: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough
Who’s Most at Risk?
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Dogs of all ages and breeds can get kennel cough, but puppies, unvaccinated dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. Social dogs that frequent boarding kennels, nurseries or dog parks are also at higher risk.
Treatment for Relief
Don’t worry, there are ways to help your dog get better:
● See the vet: A visit to the vet is essential to confirm kennel cough and get the right treatment plan. The vet may perform a physical examination and recommend tests or medications.
● Rest and recovery: Let your dog rest and recover. Limit playtime and walks to short potty breaks. Excessive activity can make the cough worse.
● Hydration station: Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water by adding warm bone broth to his water bowl. Proper hydration will help loosen mucus and keep them hydrated.
● Soothe the airways: A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help relieve coughing by loosening mucus. Remember to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mould growth.
Recovering from Kennel Cough: A Guide for Pawsome Parents
So your pup has kennel cough. Fear not! With Tender Loving Care (TLC) and the right approach, your furry friend will be back on his feet in no time:
●Rest and relaxation: Treat your dog like royalty! Limit playtime and walks to short potty breaks. They need all their energy to fight off the infection.
●Cosy comfort: Create a comfortable haven with a soft bed, favourite blanket and calming dog toy. Supervised time in the backyard (away from other dogs) can provide fresh air.
●Soothing sips: Hydration is key! Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. You can even try adding warm bone broth to his water bowl.
●Tasty soups: A sick puppy may lose his appetite. Offer warm, tempting food such as chicken or beef broth with a little cooked rice.
●A helping hand from the humidifier: A cool mist humidifier can be a lifesaver for your dog’s irritated airways. The added moisture will help loosen mucus and make coughing easier. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mould growth.
When to Call the Vet: Seek Immediate Attention
While kennel cough usually resolves on its own within 1-3 weeks, some situations require immediate veterinary attention. Watch for these signs and call your vet if
● Your dog’s cough gets worse or becomes productive (produces mucus).
●They have difficulty breathing.
●The symptoms last longer than expected (usually more than a few weeks).
●Loses appetite or becomes lethargic.
You have a fever.
Keeping Your Pack Healthy: Preventing Kennel Cough
Kennel cough may be common, but it’s preventable. Here are some top tips for keeping your furry friend healthy:
1- Vaccination is your BFF: Talk to your vet about vaccinating your dog against the canine parainfluenza virus, which plays a major role in kennel cough. Vaccinations don’t guarantee complete immunity, but they do significantly reduce the risk of your dog contracting the disease or experiencing severe symptoms.
2- Selective socialisation: Social butterflies are adorable, but not if they’re spreading kennel cough! Avoid doggy playdates or dog parks if you suspect other puppies may be unwell.
3- Cleanliness is canine cool: Just as you wash your hands after being around sick people, good hygiene is essential for your dog! Wash your hands thoroughly after handling dogs, especially those in shelters or kennels. This will help prevent you from spreading germs to your own dog.
4- Clean crusaders: Your dog’s environment plays a big role in his health. Regularly clean and disinfect their food bowls, toys and bedding. This will reduce the chances of any remaining germs causing problems.
5- Board with confidence: If you need to board your dog, choose a reputable facility that prioritises cleanliness and follows strict vaccination protocols. Ask about their kennel cough prevention measures to ensure your pup’s safety.
Early detection is key:
Knowing the signs of kennel cough can help you catch it early. If you notice your dog coughing, hacking or showing other symptoms, call your vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse and spreading to other dogs.
More tips for a healthy canine companion
Here are some general tips that will contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being, and potentially reduce his susceptibility to kennel cough:
Maintain a clean and hygienic home: Vacuum and mop floors regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time. This will help remove dust, dirt and allergens that can trigger coughing.
● Minimise stress: Stress can compromise your dog’s immune system. Provide plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and positive reinforcement to keep your dog calm and happy.
● Promote a healthy lifestyle: Make sure your dog gets a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. A healthy lifestyle will help strengthen their immune system and overall well-being.
● Regular veterinary checkups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, receiving proper parasite prevention and overall health.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By taking proactive
measures to keep your dog healthy and avoiding situations where they might
be exposed to kennel cough, you can minimize the risk of them contracting
this pesky illness. A healthy and happy pup means a happy pet parent
too!
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(FAQs)
Q:My dog has been coughing, but there are no other symptoms. Could it be kennel cough?
A: Kennel cough is typically characterised by a dry, hacking cough that often sounds like a honking goose. While coughing can be a symptom of kennel cough, it can also be caused by other factors such as allergies, irritation or heart disease. If your dog only coughs and has no other symptoms, it’s still best to consult your vet to determine the cause.
Q: How long will my dog be contagious with kennel cough?
A: Dogs with kennel cough can be contagious for up to two weeks, even after their symptoms seem to have improved. It’s important to isolate your dog from other dogs during this time to prevent the spread of infection.
Q: Can I give my dog over-the-counter cough medicine?
A: Never give your dog any medication without first consulting your vet. Some human medicines can be toxic to dogs. Your vet can recommend the appropriate treatment for your dog’s specific cough and condition.
Q: My dog is due for his vaccinations but he has a cough. Can they still be vaccinated?
A: It’s important to discuss this with your vet. In some cases, a mild cough may not be a reason to delay vaccination. However, if your dog has a severe cough or other symptoms of illness, your vet may recommend that you wait until they’ve recovered before vaccinating them.
Q: My dog recovered from kennel cough some time ago, but he’s coughing again. Is it kennel cough again?
A: It’s possible, but other factors could be causing the cough. Schedule a visit to your vet to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Q: Is kennel cough serious?
A: In most cases, kennel cough is not a serious condition and resolves itself within 1-3 weeks. However, complications can occur in some cases, particularly in puppies, older dogs or dogs with weakened immune systems. If your dog’s cough gets worse, he becomes lethargic or has difficulty breathing, seek veterinary advice immediately.