No vet or dog owner wants to hear the words “kennel cough” Unfortunately, it is a problem that almost everyone will encounter at some point, so it is best if we can inform pet owners about the best ways to prevent and treat it.
What is it? Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection brought on by the co-infection of a virus and bacteria, also known as Bordetella or contagious tracheobronchitis. It results in the trachea and bronchi (airways) becoming inflamed, which could result in a dog who is congested and coughing. It is also very contagious, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, and dogs who have not received vaccinations.
Many owners bring their dogs to dog parks and daycares while the animal is spreading the illness, not because they are being careless but rather because they are unaware that the infection can sometimes go undetected for days. When a dog starts coughing, he may have been a silent carrier for days and infected many of his playmates by that point.
– Coughing (quiet, barely perceptible coughing or loud, barky coughs); – Hacking or honking; – Sneezing or discharge from nose (clear to green); – Crusty eyes; – Lethargy; – Loss of appetite; – Possible fever
It’s crucial to keep your dog’s kennel cough vaccinations up to date because doing so will protect them from the most prevalent strains and may even partially protect them from some newly mutated strains. We advise immunizing them at least once a year, more frequently for show dogs or those who are frequently boarded at dog daycare facilities.
It is always best to take your dog to the vet if they exhibit symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, especially brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed breeds) like Bulldogs or Boston Terriers who already struggle to breathe.
A virus cannot be “cured,” but it usually has a self-limiting nature. We advise rest and keeping an eye out for symptoms like fever and a green or yellow discharge from the mouth or nose. If a secondary bacterial infection or bronchopneumonia is identified, we may recommend antibiotics. Please be aware of symptoms such as fever, persistent coughing, lethargy, and decreased appetite as these may indicate the onset of pneumonia, which is only occasionally seen.
Most importantly, after the cough subsides, please keep your dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks. Additionally, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean your hands and clothing after handling a dog that has kennel cough and before touching another dog. It is a very contagious disease.
How does a dog contract Kennel Cough?
Any one of these typical circumstances could make your dog more vulnerable to kennel cough:
Kennel Cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Yes, all dogs are at risk for Kennel Cough. Why? When dogs cough, contact one another, or come in contact with contaminated surfaces, Kennel Cough can spread quickly. Kennel cough can spread through even brief contact with an infected surface like a bush or sidewalk.
Up until that point, when it can only survive outside for about 30 minutes, kennel cough is extremely contagious. Additionally, kennel cough can be spread from an infected dog to your hands, shoes, and clothing.
Puppies who have not received their first vaccination or who have not previously been exposed to the disease are more susceptible to catching Kennel Cough. No vaccine exists to protect against every strain of Kennel Cough, which does mutate quickly, so even dogs who have received vaccinations may still contract it.
Typically, veterinarians rely on outward symptoms of illness, particularly the characteristic hacking or gagging cough. In order to help with the diagnosis, veterinarians may also perform laboratory tests, such as bacterial culture. An indication of Bordetella infection is also a positive response to antibiotics.
This varies depending on your dog’s symptoms, underlying health, and the preferred course of treatment recommended by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian might suggest humidifier treatments and rest as supportive therapies in addition to antibiotic therapy. Cough suppressants may also be advised if your dog needs assistance with resting, but you must ensure that your dog is able to cough “productively” in order to help break up any fluids in the lungs. The best place to learn about kennel cough treatment options is from your veterinarian.
How long can kennel cough stay on clothes?
Due to the ability of the bordetella bacteria to remain on surfaces for up to two full days, contaminated objects can easily transmit the disease between dogs.
How long is a dog with kennel cough contagious?
To help keep the dog’s airway moist, a nebulizer can be used twice daily for about 10 minutes. Most dogs are not contagious after 10–14 days of illness, especially if antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, clearing up the infection’s symptoms as well.
FAQ
How long can kennel cough stay on clothes?
If people do not wash their hands and clothing between pets, they risk spreading the disease to the pets, as well as to themselves. Bacteria, such as Bordetella, can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, waiting to infect another gullible host and spread the infection.
Can clothes transmit kennel cough?
Up until that point, when it can only survive outside for about 30 minutes, kennel cough is extremely contagious. Additionally, kennel cough can be spread from an infected dog to your hands, shoes, and clothing.
How long does kennel cough live on surfaces?
On surfaces, the bacteria can endure for up to two days. If dogs touch or come into contact with infected dogs, even if they only sniff them, they are more likely to contract kennel cough. This is why the infection spreads so quickly in settings with a high density of dogs, such as dog daycare facilities, kennels, and veterinary offices.
Is kennel cough contagious on surfaces?
When dogs breathe in bacteria or viruses that cause inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe), they develop kennel cough. The virus can also be spread through contaminated surfaces.