Kennel Cough

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

• A persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound.
• In most cases, she’ll appear healthy except for the cough.
• Gagging
• Coughing up white foamy phlegm
• Fever
• Nasal discharge

Causes of Kennel Cough

• Kennel cough can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects.
• Kennel cough is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation, like a kennel or an animal shelter.
• Kennel cough can also spread through direct contact like shared water dishes or even greeting another dog
• Most kennels will not board a pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and Bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough.

Dogs More Prone to Kennel Cough

• Kennel cough can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects.
• Kennel cough is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation, like a kennel or an animal shelter.
• Kennel cough can also spread through direct contact like shared water dishes or even greeting another dog.

Kennel Cough Prevention

• The best way to prevent kennel cough is to prevent exposure.
• Vaccinations are also available for several of the agents known to be involved in kennel cough, including parainfluenza, Bordetella and adenovirus-2.
• Ask your vet if these are recommended, and how often.
• Vaccinations aren’t useful if a dog has already caught the virus.

Kennel Cough Treatment

See your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough. In some cases, you may be advised to simply let kennel cough run its course and heed the following:

• Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
• A humidifier, vaporizer or steam from a shower can provide relief for irritated breathing passages.
• Avoid exposing your dog to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes.
• A cough suppressant or antimicrobial may be prescribed.
• If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides.
• Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.