Kennel cough and dogs

Overview

You may have heard your dog cough before, but it's never been so dry and raspy – and continuous. Your pet may be suffering from kennel cough, a viral and bacterial disease complex that causes inflammation of the voicebox and windpipe. It's also highly contagious to other dogs. If you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, isolate him from all other dogs and call your veterinarian.

Contracting kennel cough

Canines often contract this bug after a stay in a kennel (hence the name) where they come into close contact with other dogs who may be carrying the virus.  Kennel cough can also be picked up from any location with high concentrations of dogs, like obedience school, the groomer, or even a dog park.  Nowadays, most kennels won't let your pet board without proof of a bordatella vaccination, but your dog can still get it if he comes into contact with any other infected animal. This might happen at a dog run, for example, or even while greeting another canine on the street.

Symptoms

• A dry, raspy, honking cough
• Gagging
• Coughing up a white, foamy-looking phlegm

Your dog's appetite and activity level probably won't change. If your dog has been diagnosed with kennel cough, your veterinarian may prescribe medication and, in severe cases, an anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend a cough suppressant to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms at night so you and your pet can sleep.

Treatment

Kennel cough usually clears up in about 7 to 10 days, but dogs may continue to cough for up to several weeks. In the meantime you can make your canine as comfortable as possible by keeping the humidity high in your home. Try a humidifier or vaporizer, or let your pet in the bathroom when you take a shower or a bath. The warm steam will help soothe his irritated breathing passages. Try not to expose him to cigarette smoke or other noxious fumes.

A slow, short walk outdoors may help clear your dog's airways and help him breathe better, but take care to use a halter or body harness instead of a buckle or correction collar. Be sure to monitor your pet's progress. A severe case of kennel cough can result in pneumonia. If your dog shows a nasal discharge, lethargy or loss of appetite, take him to the veterinarian immediately.