The Symptoms & Causes of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a canine illness that often affects dogs that are in a kennel or dog shelter, but can be caught easily from other dogs. It is much like the common cold in humans and can be contracted easily. However, many treatments are available to rid the dog of the infection that is causing cough and other symptoms.

  1. Kennel Cough

    • Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that can be contracted by a dog having any kind of close encounter with another infected dog. These encounters may include being kenneled in a facility that is not well ventilated, sitting in a veterinary office waiting room next to a dog who has the infection or even sniffing a dog who has kennel cough. It is caught very easily, according to the ASPCA, and if your dog is infected with kennel cough he should immediately be isolated from other dogs.

    Symptoms

    • The main symptom of kennel cough is a hard hacking cough that a dog experiences, especially when he is excited or after exercise. This cough may also be described as a reverse sneeze or gasping for breath. The dog may cough so hard that he vomits or coughs up foamy white phlegm. Some dogs may also develop a watery nasal discharge and/or a fever along with the cough. In severe cases, a dog may become lethargic or stop eating food. A dog should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as these symptoms are present.

    Treatment

    • The typical treatment for kennel cough is a cough suppressant along with owner support to ensure that he is eating and drinking. A vaporizer may also help to sooth the dog's air passageways until the infection is gone. In severe cases when a dog is not eating or is running a fever, an antibiotic may be prescribed. In less severe cases, a veterinarian may advise you to let the cough run its course until it is gone, however he should be kept isolated from other dogs in the house.

      If a dog's symptoms do not subside after three weeks of treatment, he should be seen by a veterinarian again to determine if there could be an underlying cause of the symptoms apart from kennel cough.

    Prevention

    • An owner can help prevent or mitigate the effects of kennel couch. Solutions include vaccinating the dog against infection, keeping kennels thoroughly cleaned, washing out food and water bowls, and providing ample air ventilation.