Kennel cough, also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis is a common disease that does not go unnoticed by owners. It manifests itself by a dry, particularly strong cough, and who can make you vomit, usually accompanied by fever. How to protect your companion? And if so, how can you quickly relieve your symptoms? Answers from Dr Jasmine Chevallier, veterinarian in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.
Definition: what is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a common disease in dogs.. “It is an infectious tracheitis whose symptoms may resemble those of whooping cough in humans,” says the veterinarian.
As its name suggests, this disease very contagious results in a strong cough and wreaks havoc in places that bring together many dogs, such as farms, kennels, shelters, exhibition centers or canine pensions.
Cough, vomiting, diarrhea… What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
“Kennel cough is easily recognizable: it isa very strong, hoarse and noisy cough, generally dry“, indicates Dr. Chevallier. We speak of an “emetogenic” cough: the dog is so irritated thathe tries to vomit or expectorate. “This alerts owners who are consulting because they think their pet has something stuck in their throat.”
In most cases, the general condition of the animal is impaired. We aknowledge :
- of the sneezing ;
- loss of appetite;
- a unusual lethargy ;
- and/or unusual discharge from the nose or eyes.
Note: some dogs also have more or less severe fever.
This infection of the respiratory tract is particularly painful for dogs, hence the importance of consulting your veterinarian, underlines Dr. Chevallier.
Duration of symptoms: how long do they last?
The first symptoms of kennel cough usually appear three to ten days after infection.
They can then last ten days, even two to three weeks. “Owners tend to consult quickly: you can’t miss this infection, it is so noisy and disturbing”.
Please note: some dogs take longer to recover, due to their age or health problems.
Causes and Transmission: How Can a Dog Get Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough can be caused by different types of viruses and bacteria. Most often it is related to the virus Parainfluenza, but other viruses can also be involved, such as canine adenoviruses, canine herpesviruses or canine reoviruses. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica are also often questioned.
Once firmly established in the dog’s respiratory system, these viruses and bacteria create inflammation of the trachea and bronchiat the origin of the symptoms mentioned above.
As you may have guessed, this pathology is transmitted through the air : When a sick dog coughs, it spreads droplets contaminated with the virus or bacteria into the air. Contamination can therefore occur par contact direct (two dogs sniffing each other’s noses) or by indirect contact (with toys, bowls or contaminated baskets).
What is the incubation time?
Kennel cough has an incubation period of three to ten days. During this time, the dog will not necessarily show symptoms, but will be contagious and can transmit the disease to its congeners (dogs or puppies).
How contagious is kennel cough? And for the man?
Kennel cough is not a zoonosis. In other words, it is not transmitted to humans.
However, as its name suggests, it is very contagious between congeners. Caution is therefore called for: have your dog vaccinated and do not put him in contact with a sick dog.
Are some dogs more prone to the disease?
No dog is completely safe, since one animal can infect another with simple contact during a walk. But some are still more exposed than others. This is particularly the case:
- dogs present in shelters or kennels ;
- dogs participating in dog shows ;
- dogs that are regularly boarded ;
- dogs participating in community education course ;
- etc.
Note: animals that are not vaccinated, very old, or whose immune system is weakened are also more likely to trigger severe symptoms.
What can be the complications? Will my dog keep the sequelae of the disease?
When dogs are taken care of quickly by a veterinarian, the risk of complications is minimal. But sometimes the symptoms get worse. The most severe complication? Broncho-pneumonia : the pathogen reaches the lungs and causes severe breathing difficulties. In some extremely rare cases, if the animal is sick or very fragile, this can be life-threatening.
But this remains very rare, insists Dr. Chevallier. Kennel cough is not a fatal disease. At worst, dogs exhibit a persistent cough for a few weeks.
Prevention: essential vaccines against kennel cough
“Vaccination is the best prevention“, insists the veterinarian. Your dog joins a boarding house during your holidays? Do you use the services of a walker on the weekend? Do you participate in dog training courses? Take stock with your veterinarian!
The vaccine against Parainfluenza is included in annual vaccine boosters. “There is also a strongly recommended vaccine against bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is administered by intranasal spray or transmucosally (in the mouth)”, adds the expert. This more specific vaccine is often compulsory or recommended for dogs participating in community activities (dog shows, hunts, courses education, etc)”, she says. An annual booster is recommended.
Can a vaccinated dog get kennel cough?
Given the great diversity of germs potentially involved, yes, a vaccinated dog can still develop kennel cough, replies the veterinarian. And to specify: “He can also present another form of tracheitis, a deeper lung infection or other causes of cough, such as a heart disorder for example”.
Treatment: how to get rid of kennel cough? Are there any specific medications?
You have probably read on the internet that it is better to let the cough evolve spontaneously. In reality, it is better to consult at the first signs of coughinsists Dr. Chevallier: the disease rarely disappears on its own and severely handicaps the animal.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and anti-tussives. Objective: to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary infection. This protocol is generally well supported and can last several weeks.
Note: In severe cases, some dogs can be hospitalized (in case of bronchopneumonia for example).