How to Recognize Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough is a generic term that covers a multitude of infections that can make a dog cough. Here is some information that should help you recognize kennel cough in your dog.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you notice your dog coughing with a deep, hacking cough, you may be dealing with kennel cough. Tracheobronchitis or Bordetellosis or Bordetella are the most common causes of kennel cough. Many times coughs are a combination of infections. The Parainfluenza symptoms usually last for about 6 days. Bordetella usually lasts for 6 to 14 days but can be contagious for 14 to 20 days. This is one way the disease is easily spread since most owners think their dogs are no longer contagious when they reintroduce them to other dogs.

2. In most cases, the dry, ‘honking’ cough (sometimes ending in gagging) will go away on its own without treatment. It is somewhat like the common cold in the human. But like in humans, a weakened individual can be harmed even by illnesses that are ordinarily not serious. There can be more virulent infections, too. If your dog becomes lethargic, looses appetite for more than a day or so, or becomes feverish, you should seek medical help to alleviate the symptoms. There are tests to help diagnose exactly what the cause of kennel cough is in your pup. Antibiotics are usually ineffective in most kennel cough cases.

3. You can have your dog vaccinated against many of the causes of kennel cough. But since there are so many different germs that can cause the cough and, in many cases, coughs are a result of a combination of different germs, immunization is not necessarily a sure thing.

4. If you notice your dog suffering from a hacking cough, keep an eye on him. Chances are the cough will lessen in a day or two though it may take longer to go away all together. Make sure your dog doesn’t show signs of worsening symptoms. But most important is that once your dog seems better, keep him away from other dogs for an additional two weeks even after symptoms are gone so you won’t spread disease.

5. It is not all that easy to recognize kennel cough, but in most cases it isn’t all that important that your dog’s cough is categorized. So long as you watch for complications and keep your pet away from other dogs, chances are his cough will go away with no more impact than the suffering we experience from the common cold. It’s always hard to see our little pals suffer, but be patient, it will be over for both of you before long.

[bossypants]

on 6/23/2009 Excellent advice on recognizing the symptoms. And Step 3 is a biggie. We had a bordetella vaccine as required by a training school, only to have our pooch get kennel cough, anyhow! The vet told us just what you said -- many variations, like human flu! Thanks for your wise direction to keep an eye on you sweet companion when symptoms arise!

[edieness]

on 6/22/2009 Great details on How to Recognize Kennel Cough.