Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting the upper airway of dogs. It is caused by a complex of various viruses and bacteria, most notably the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium and the Canine Parainfluenza virus.

1. How is it Transmitted?

The disease spreads through airborne droplets during direct contact (sniffing) or through the air (coughing, sneezing). The pathogen spreads rapidly in environments where many dogs congregate, such as dog schools, shelters, boarding kennels, or public dog parks.

2. Typical Symptoms

The most distinct sign is a persistent, dry, hacking cough, which often sounds like the dog has something caught in its throat.

• Coughing fits: These often occur during excitement or when pressure is applied to the windpipe (e.g., by pulling on a collar).

• Gagging: Some dogs may gag or retch, sometimes producing a small amount of white foam.

• In severe cases: Nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy may develop.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: A veterinarian usually diagnoses kennel cough clinically by physical examination and by gently palpating the trachea to see if it triggers a cough.

• Treatment: In mild cases, rest, hydration, and avoiding collar pressure are often enough. For dogs with a bacterial component or fever, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.

• Isolation: To prevent further spread, an infected dog should be kept away from other dogs for at least 10–14 days.

4. Prevention

Vaccines are available for the primary causes of kennel cough. These can be administered via injection, or more commonly, as an intranasal (nose drops) or oral vaccine, which provides localized immunity in the respiratory tract.