If you find your dog aggressively coughing throughout the day, they likely have a case of kennel cough. While persistent wheezing may sound awful, this disease is typically mild among dogs. With a little love and a cough syrup from your veterinarian, you can easily spot and treat this common ailment.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Similar to a common cold in humans, the main symptom of kennel cough is a persistent cough. Veterinarians will often describe it sounding like a goose honk given the forcefulness of the cough. More severe cases will also include a runny nose, sneezing, and eye discharge. 

Causes of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough can come from a variety of causes. A common culprit is the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which typically pairs with viruses like canine adenovirus, distemper virus, herpes virus, parainfluenza virus, or reovirus. A dog will inhale the bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract, and the mucus lining traps the infectious particles. Kennel cough is very contagious, which is why it typically spreads in high pet traffic areas, like boarding, doggy daycare, dog parks, and dog shows. 

Treatment Options

Your pet’s cough can be easily treated, though it can be more severe in puppies under six months and immunocompromised dogs. Some cases will go away on their own, but veterinarians will offer antibiotics that treat Bordetella bacteria and cough medicines to minimize symptoms.

Most dogs have kennel cough run its course in three weeks, but you can help with their cough by keeping them in well-humidified spaces and using a harness instead of a leash to limit irritation to the respiratory tract. 

If problems persist, it’s essential to keep in touch with your veterinarian. Kennel cough can sometimes evolve into pneumonia and other more severe conditions if not addressed. 

How to Prevent Kennel Cough

To keep your dog safe—particularly if you regularly send them to doggie daycare—ask your veterinarian about vaccination options for kennel cough. Similar to the human flu shot, it is given to pets once a year. It provides the first line of defense against this disease, but vaccines cannot guarantee protection from kennel cough entirely since so many bacteria and viruses cause it. 

Your dog’s options are a shot, a nasal mist, or an oral vaccine for kennel cough. If your pet is in areas of high exposure, though, your veterinarian may suggest more frequent vaccinations—sometimes as often as every six months. 

With the right veterinarian looking out for your dog’s health, you can rest assured that kennel cough will not be a big issue for your pet. In Daleville, VA, pet owners trust the expertise of Pet Health Clinic. Their veterinarians treat your pet as one of their own, providing a variety of vet services, from vaccines to behavioral counseling, pet surgery, and overall wellness. For more information and to book an appointment, visit their website or call (540) 992-4550.