Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs

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By Justine Depalma
eHow Contributing Writer

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A loud hacking cough, sometimes sounding like a honk, is the main symptom of kennel cough. The dog may retch after the cough. There may also be a clear nasal discharge, and the dog might cough up mucous. Kennel cough is a common contagious disease afflicting dogs, and is often thought of as similar to the common cold in humans.

Causes

Kennel cough is not a single disease, but instead can be caused by any one of hundreds of viruses or bacteria. The most common bacterial cause of kennel cough is bordetella bronchiseptica. Parainfluenza is the most common virus that causes kennel cough.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian relies on a physical exam and symptoms to come to a diagnosis of kennel cough. Expensive tests can determine whether the cause is a virus or bacteria, but they are not usually performed.

Treatment

Mild kennel cough resolves itself within 21 days without treatment. More severe cases may be treated with antibiotics, especially if there is a risk of pneumonia.

Prevention/Solution

Vaccination is recommended for dogs that visit boarding kennels or other places where there are other dogs. The most common vaccination is placed in the dog's nose. Protection from parainfluenza is included in the distemper combination vaccination.

Risk Factors

Kennel cough is spread through the air. When the dog coughs, he spews the virus or bacteria in droplets. Kennels, veterinary offices and other places where large numbers of dogs are housed are prone to kennel cough outbreaks.