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Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH IN DOGS
Kennel cough in dogs is also called infectious tracheobronchitis which is an upper respiratory infection. It can be caused by many different types of bacteria or viruses such as Bordetella Bronchiseptica, canine influenza, canine parainfluenza or many others.
More often than not it is thought to be caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica. However, it also may cause secondary infections such as pneumonia since the immune system has already been compromised.
WHAT ARE KENNEL COUGH SYMPTOMS
The symptoms are not very subtle. You will likely know when your dog has been exposed. Symptoms can occur within 5-14 days of exposure. The symptoms below are the most common.
You may see lethargy also. It is as if your furbaby has a common cold. However, you may want to click on your other article at the bottom of the page to see some other reasons your dog might be coughing.
- Hacking Cough*(very loud, dry sounding)
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Eye Discharge
HOW IS KENNEL COUGH DIAGNOSED
Depending on the severity of the symptoms your doctor will want to get;
- Physical Exam
- Culture (nasal swab)
- X-rays (check for pneumonia)
KENNEL COUGH TREATMENT
Treatment is generally supportive care and antibiotics let’s say if they have a fever or have stopped eating or have a more severe infection.
It can take up to 3 weeks for the symptoms to clear up. Generally speaking, not all dogs will need antibiotics as it usually clears up on its own.
Antibiotics for kennel cough will be dependent on pre-existing conditions and severity of diagnosis but may include one of the following: enrofloxacin, doxycycline or amox/clav.
HOME REMEDIES FOR KENNEL COUGH
Well, how do you feel if you get a cold or a really bad cough? You wouldn’t feel so hot right? Your throat might be sore from constantly coughing.
Leaving the dog in bathroom (not unattended) while YOU are showering is a good way to allow steam to open up the airways.
When you take a shower just shut your bathroom door and let the steam fill up while your dog lays on the floor maybe 5-15 minutes.
If you notice that your dog is having issues breathing while you are showering, then obviously open the door and let him out as you don’t want him getting too hot and overheating.
(I am not sure how hot your showers are or how small or large your bathroom is)
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR KENNEL COUGH
There are pet products on the market specifically designed to support the lungs and help with the coughing such as
Or
Or another one is
Or this last product which is for a variety of different issues, including the one we’re talking about in this article.
Amazon.com : GoldenPaw Herbal Pet Supplement for Cat : Pet Supplies
ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea)
is known for its immune stimulating properties, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study containing 41 dogs with upper respiratory infections including bronchitis and kennel cough, dogs were given Echinacea powder at 1g/10kg of body weight and 92% showed significant improvement after 4 weeks of treatment. 1Reichling, J., Fitzi, J., Fürst-Jucker, J., Bucher, S., & Saller, R. (2003). Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde, 145(5), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.1024/0036-7281.145.5.223
Echinacea is a member of the Asteraceae family which contains, milk thistle, dandelion and sunflower, they are related to the ragweed.
This herb should be used with caution in dogs with pre-existing conditions and those dogs’ taking medications.
Consult with your veterinarian FIRST, before starting anything new in your dog’s life.
MULLEIN
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a great little herb known for being an expectorant and demulcent basically for soothing the lungs that have been inflamed or irritated from coughing.
It is well known for being used in cold remedies and bronchitis.
You can make your furbaby a doggy-tea for his/her cough and to soothe the lungs.
I like to create an infusion which can be anywhere from 5-15 grams of dried mullein leaf per 8 oz. cup of water.
I then give 1 to 2 cups divided throughout the day which is for an 80-pound dog.
I use this mullein leaf as I only buy organic and they are one of my favorite sellers
HOW DO DOGS GET KENNEL COUGH
It is easily spread from other dogs sneezing, coughing, and whose nose is runny. Your dog can catch it in a variety of ways and places;
- Dog Parks
- Dog Daycare
- Boarding Facilities
- Sharing Toys
- Sharing Water Bowls
- Contaminated Surfaces
KENNEL COUGH VACCINE
There are two different methods of administration for the vaccine Bordetella. They are the intra-nasal and injectable. The intranasal is the vaccine sprayed up your dog’s nasal cavity.
The difference between the two vaccines types is that the intra-nasal only has to be done once and then the booster is yearly.
The injection has to be done initially a total of 2 times for it to be fully effective. You give the dog the first injection and then the second one about 3-4 weeks later.
The injection is recommended to be done either every 6 months or yearly depending on your travel and activity level.
If you choose the intranasal method, you can vaccinate puppies as young as 3 weeks old and it offers protection in as little as 3 days and is said to continue protecting for up to a year.
One thing to remember is that Bordetella vaccine is specific to Bordetella bronchiseptica and therefore will not protect against the other pathogens.
Unless specifically indicated such as in the intranasal vaccine which has the option of
“containing parainfluenza and/or adenovirus-2, thus providing even broader protection against common causes of canine infectious respiratory diseases.” 2Library – University of Wisconsin-Madison Shelter Medicine Program (uwsheltermedicine.com)
Keep in mind that this vaccine is not considered a core vaccine. This vaccine is also not 100% effective. Your dog can still contract kennel cough even if they have had this vaccination.
It is not required to be done but if you travel or board your dog, they will most likely want this vaccination to be up to date.
Also, if your dog has a compromised immune system, you would probably want to get this vaccine.
For more reasons one why your dog could be coughing check out our other article below.
