Pugs as a breed typically having trouble breathing. Add an infectious condition such as kennel cough to the mix, and you have a pug who has serious trouble breathing and is potentially in danger of serious health problems. Knowing the signs and symptoms of kennel cough for pugs is important, as quick treatment of kennel cough can mean the difference between a pesky illness and a life-threatening disease.
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Coughing
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The trademark symptom of kennel cough is coughing; however, kennel cough produces not just any cough, but a honky cough that resembles the sound that geese make. In addition, the cough may end in a wretch, states the veterinary website PetEducation.com. Pugs commonly cough on a daily basis; however, their coughing is typically different than that of a kennel cough. Pug coughs are usually wet, whereas a cough caused by kennel cough is usually dry and harsh. Vets typically prescribe cough suppressants in conjunction with antibiotics with dogs who have kennel cough to help alleviate the coughing symptoms. Kennel cough can be particularly dangerous for pugs because of their narrow airways. If your pug is coughing and seems to have trouble breathing, take it to a veterinarian immediately.
Nasal Discharge
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A watery, nasal discharge may also present itself as a symptom of bronchitis; however, pugs typically have a nasal discharge all of the time. If your pug has been around other dogs recently---such as in a kennel, grooming facility or obedience class---and is displaying a honky cough and nasal discharge, there is a chance it has kennel cough. If the discharge is colored or particularly thick, there is likely another sort of infection occurring with your pug and it should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Fever
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When a pug has a fever, it can be an indicator of a number of different problems, but if the fever is accompanied by a dry, honky, harsh cough, it is likely that the dog has kennel cough. Check your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer. Lubricate the end of the thermometer with a water-based lubricant and insert the thermometer a few inches inside your dog's rectum. The dog's temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees F. If it is elevated, contact your veterinarian. In addition, if your dog has kennel cough, its symptoms may include lethargy and anorexia. If left untreated, the kennel cough can develop into pneumonia and even death.
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