Did you know a key symptom of kennel cough is a brash, forceful, honking noise when your dog tries to clear their airways?
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is infectious tracheobronchitis. It is caused by multiple different viruses, like a common cold for us people. One of the most prevalent bacteria found is called Bordetella bronchiseptica. That is why we highly recommend the Bordetella vaccine every year. The respiratory tract of your dog becomes coated with mucus, which causes your dog to cough and clear their airways. This causes inflammation of their larynx and trachea. Most cases of ‘kennel cough’ go away on their own, but some severe cases can lead to upper respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent cough that sounds like a honk
- Lethargy/ Fever
- Sneezing
- Retching white foam/mucus
- Runny nose
- Sensitivity to trachea palpation
Where Did My Dog Get Kennel Cough?
Since kennel cough is so contagious and easily spread determining the exact location your dog got sick, may be difficult. Kennel cough is passed from dog to dog by direct contact, airborne droplets, or using the same food and/or water dishes. That is why highly congregated areas like boarding/grooming facilities, dog parks, training groups, or restaurants are hotspots for this illness.
How Can I proctect My Dog?
The most crucial thing you can do to help protect your dog is to get them vaccinated with Bordetella every year, regardless if you board, groom, or do group training. Keeping them vaccinated is critical! Next thing you can do, is trying to avoid highly congregated areas that may have an outbreak in sickness. The holiday winter months is when more dogs get sick with kennel cough. If able, when traveling, try to get a pet sitter to come to your home vs taking them to a boarding facility. The fewer interactions with other dogs of unknown vaccination status are very important.
Written By: Brelyn, RVT
