Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection in dogs that is caused by the Bordetella virus and is highly contagious. Symptoms and modes of transmission resemble the human cold virus. The hallmark symptom of kennel cough is a dry hacking cough that can plague the dog for weeks. Because this is a viral infection, antibiotics are only prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia occurs. Other treatments are merely supportive and can be accomplished quite well at home.
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Controlling the Cough
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Coughing allows the dog to keep his airways clear of mucus and prevents bacteria from settling in and causing an infection. But chronic coughing can prevent the dog from getting adequate rest, nutrition and hydration. Coughing can be controlled in several ways.
One, restrict the dog's exercise. Heavy breathing will trigger coughing spells. Two, give an over-the-counter cough suppressant. To do this safely, purchase a cough suppressant that contains only dextromethorphan as the active ingredient. Call your veterinarian for the correct dosage. Steam and menthol (such as Vicks) are also helpful in slowing down the cough.
Eating and Drinking
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Encourage eating. Many times a dog ill with kennel cough will also have some nasal congestion making it difficult to smell his food, or the malaise might depress his appetite. Offer more tempting fare such as canned food or homemade chicken and rice to stimulate his appetite. Keep water available at all times. Dogs experiencing kennel cough will need to remain hydrated to keep the mucus thin. Make sure that the dog has constant access to water, and encourage him to drink often.
When to Take Him to the Vet
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Watch for signs of infection. Many times kennel cough will resolve within a few weeks on its own without any complications. Sometimes, though, this isn't the case. Pneumonia is one of the most common complications associated with kennel cough and can be life-threatening if not attended to quickly. Watch for listlessness, panting, loss of appetite and fever. If your dog begins to experience any of these symptoms, get him to a vet as soon as possible.
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