Kennel cough in dogs takes its name from the fact that the ailment can rapidly pass from one dog to another in a kennel setting. Kennel cough is a common sickness in boarding kennels and in greyhound racing kennels, where the dogs are in close proximity and the airborne bacterial and viral agents that precipitate the cough spread easily. Normally kennel cough is not a serious problem, but there are certain warning signs that a case of kennel cough is worse than usual.
Instructions
Listen to the cough. A mild case of kennel cough differs from a severe one, with the sound of the cough the most noticeable feature. The severe kennel cough will be deeper than the mild one, sounding like a prolonged honking. Each time the dog coughs it will sound as if it has something stuck well back in its throat and is attempting to clear the obstruction with its coughing.
Determine how long the coughing lasts. Once you first notice the cough, make a note of the date. The average case of canine kennel cough is a seven- to ten-day affair. Any longer than that means the dog could be sicker than you expected.
Observe the dog when it goes outside to see if the cough increases or worsens. Exposure to the outside air, especially in the cold fall and winter months, will irritate a bout of kennel cough. Watch the dog when it comes back inside. The cough will continue, but gradually subside to its previous levels of frequency after the dog acclimates back to the warmer environment.
Look for a nasal discharge with a bad case of kennel cough. This is a possible sign that the dog has fluid in its lungs and that pneumonia is beginning to manifest itself. The discharge will be greenish or yellow and thicker than a typical "runny nose."
Monitor the dogs closely in regards to its eating. Mildly ill dogs will continue to eat in the majority of cases, but those experiencing symptoms that are more substantial will refuse to eat, no matter what you put in front of them. A dog that continues to refuse to eat after about a 24-hour period is one that you should quickly take to your veterinarian.
Check the dog for a fever if it seems depressed or is lethargic in its behavior. The dog with a severe kennel cough may also develop a high temperature and mope around, staying in one place and showing little interest in its usual pattern of activity.