As a boarding kennel owner and a vet, I am often asked about this illness. From my point of view, it has an unfortunate name, which implies that it only occurs in kennels. In fact, an outbreak can occur in any area, and because it spreads rapidly, sooner or later, an infected dog is bound to enter the kennels.
Outbreaks are more common in the summer months, but it is by no means restricted to this time of year. Mild autumns and spring can create the right condition for spreading.
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What is Infectious Canine Bronchitis?
Kennel Cough is a contagious illness of dogs, the main symptom of which is coughing. It should correctly be called Infectious Canine Bronchitis, or Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, but it is often known as Kennel Cough because it spreads most readily when dogs are in close contact with each other. This includes kennels, dog shows, training classes, veterinary surgeries, grooming parlors, and popular exercise places such as parks and beaches.
The infection is spread by airborne droplets, like colds and flu in humans. Another similarity with flu in humans is that there are many different strains of infection, making it difficult to prevent entirely by vaccination.
One of the most common forms of kennel cough is caused by Bordatella Bronchiseptica, but a mixture of both bacteria and viruses may cause it. These agents cause irritation to the lining of the dog’s trachea (windpipe) and upper bronchi. The period between exposure to infection and developing symptoms (the incubation period) is often fairly long, sometimes up to 2 weeks.
What are the typical symptoms?
The first symptom is usually a dry, harsh cough which may end in retching and will probably sound as if something is lodged in the dog’s throat. Some dogs will be very well apart from a cough, but others may develop a temperature, a runny nose, appear lethargic or go off their food. Rarely, there are other symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Usually, the infection is not life-threatening. But it can be a nuisance, and it may take several weeks to clear up completely. As with most illnesses, it is more likely to be a problem in older dogs, especially if they have pre-existing heart or lung problems.
How is kennel cough treated?
If the infection is very mild, treatment may not be necessary. More usually, affected dogs will need to see their vet to distinguish the condition from other types of cough (such as heart conditions, foreign bodies, bronchitis, or more rarely, lung tumors). Treatment for kennel cough might include antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
There is no specific treatment for the viruses involved, but any secondary bacterial infection would be helped by antibiotics. Responsible owners will then take steps to keep their dogs away from others to prevent spread. Although there is nothing you can do to stop the spread during the incubation period before you know that your dog has the infection.
It would be unfair to blame the kennels if your dog does pick this up during a stay as a boarder, as there is little the kennels can do to prevent infection spread in the air. An infected dog will have brought the infection in before its owner or the kennel owner was aware that it was infected. The risk is similar to that of catching a cold or flu from another guest while on holiday: unfortunate but not the fault of the hotel! However, it is always a good idea to inform kennels, grooming parlors, etc., if your dog develops this condition after a visit.
Can kennel cough be avoided?
There is a kennel cough vaccination which can be given to dogs, and although it cannot prevent all cases, it will reduce the likelihood and possibly the severity of cases in an outbreak. The vaccine is a small volume of liquid administered by the vet into the dog’s nostril using a syringe with a special applicator on the end. Most dogs accept this fairly easily, although some do dislike having it administered.
Firm but kind restraint by a veterinary nurse will usually allow the vaccination to be given without too much fuss. The first vaccines were given every six months, but more recent ones have been shown to work for twelve months so only need to be given annually. It may not be advised to give it at the same time as the routine annual injections, but your own surgery can advise you about this.
Boarding kennels will usually insist on vaccination to protect all their boarders, and it would also be advisable to have your dog vaccinated against kennel cough if you are intending to go to dog shows or if they have medical problems as mentioned above. Always check with your own veterinary surgeon, who knows your dog’s medical history, if you are not sure.
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Discussion
Hi, my two younger dogs developed serious hacking just after having their needles and consequently spending 2 nights in a kennel. The coughing is distressing to them and me, so remembering my own painful throats, and the vet not being available, gave them a pinch of mobic in some milk. 1/2 an hour later they were quiet, playing and now resting comfortably. I will continue to monitor them for any secondary infection symptoms.
Hello Wendy
If your bitch is otherwise healthy she should be building up a good immunity to the bacteria and viruses nvolved, with additional help against the bacteria from the antibiotics. Hopefully she will be almost better when the pups are born and hopefully they will gain some immunity from their mother. However it would be wise to keep a close watch for coughing, runny nose, funny eyes or failure to thrive (daily weighing helps check that they atr thriving). If you are worried about any of these, do ring your vets for advice.
Good luck with the litter
Jenny
my bitch is due to welp in7 days she is being treteted for kennel cough developed 5 days ago, safe antibiotic, can the welps catch the virus when born?