Most dogs with kennel cough, tracheobronchitis, have an infection of the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, according to Vetinfo. Other bacteria and viruses cause about 20 percent of cases. Kennel cough often is present with other disorders, such as distemper and para-influenza. Airborne bacteria and viruses spread from an infected dog when it coughs or sneezes. Stress, crowded conditions, cigarette smoke, heavy dust and other conditions that disrupt the immune system increases infection rate. Incubation time varies from two to 14 days depending on the cause. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, young puppies may develop pneumonia or other serious complications. According to the Dog Health Handbook, severe cases can be fatal in puppies. Although kennel cough primarily affects the respiratory system, symptoms of other diseases also may be present.
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Sounds
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Kennel cough causes a distinct hacking cough. It often sounds like the puppy has something caught in its throat, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. According to Vetinfo, the dog may retch or gag after coughing. Other sounds include sneezing, snorting, choking and gagging. Initial coughing is generally a dry cough. As the infection progresses, it may become a productive cough, with release of mucus or moisture. Progression to a productive cough may be due to infection or bronchopneumonia, according to the Dog Health Handbook.
Behaviors
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Older puppies and dogs with kennel cough often eat and act normally, other than coughing, unless another disorder is present. In younger puppies, behavioral symptoms of kennel cough in puppies may include breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, difficulty eating or nursing and lethargy. Symptoms may be due to kennel cough, but worsened symptoms, such as listlessness, may indicate a serious complication such as pneumonia. According to Vetinfo, light pressure on the trachea or windpipe, excitement and exertion may cause coughing. With kennel cough, coughing is common if pulling on a collar as it presses on the windpipe.
Physical
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Physical symptoms of kennel cough include fever, runny nose with sticky wet discharge and eye discharge, which may be yellow or green, according to WebMD. Puppies may vomit after coughing. According to the Dog Health Handbook, puppies may vomit and have convulsions following severe coughing. Puppies who have kennel cough symptoms as well as signs of other serious problems, such as smelly or bloody diarrhea, high fever, refusal to eat or nurse, may be having a medical emergency.
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