Kennel Cough causes inflammation in a dog’s larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). As a result, kennel cough symptoms are primarily upper respiratory in nature and include a dry, hacking cough which is sometimes accompanied by phlegm.
This persistent, forceful, hacking dry cough is the primary, “trademark” symptom of kennel cough. many owners say it resembles a honking sound. it seems to come from deep within the dog’s body, and when you hear it, you’ll be convinced your dog is about to vomit. Sometimes retching follows the cough.
Phlegm and a gagging sound coming from the throat are also kennel cough symptoms. Fever is another, although many other dog illnesses can also cause a dog to run a fever. A dog suffering from kennel cough may also have a watery nasal discharge or a discharge from the eyes. Dogs with mild cases continue to eat and remain active and alert. Although the infection is usually mild and self-limiting, more severe cases can cause loss of alertness, lethargy and loss of appetite. Pneumonia is a possible complication, and death from pneumonia is a possibility, but with proper veterinary care the dog will normally recover.
Typically, kennel cough is diagnosed based on the dog’s symptoms and whether he has recently been boarded or otherwise come into close contact with other dogs. Although bacterial cultures, blood work and other diagnostic tests can be performed, kennel cough symptoms – especially the cough – are so highly characteristic of the disease that diagnostic testing is usually not needed or performed.
Depending on the severity of the infection, several treatment options are available, but treatment may not even be necessary. Typically, kennel cough is a mild condition and treatment, if any, is often symptomatic. As mentioned earlier, this is an upper respiratory infection which usually “cures itself,” and antibiotics, cough suppressants and/or bronchodilators may or may not be administered for mild cases. Medication may, however, hasten recovery or help to minimize kennel cough symptoms. in addition, because pressure on the throat can make the cough worse, using a harness or head collar instead of a neck collar can help.
The situation is different for moderate and severe cases of kennel cough. When the dog is running a fever, not eating, being lethargic or exhibiting symptoms of pneumonia, antibiotics are frequently used to combat the infection. Bronchodilators or even aerosol inhalation therapy might also be administered. Prompt veterinary care is essential when kennel cough leads to pneumonia, which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated properly. Speak with your veterinarian immediately if your dog becomes listless or experiences rapid breathing.
kennel cough is highly contagious, and treatment will not shorten the period during which the dog can transmit the infection to other dogs. Fortunately, intranasal and injectable kennel cough vaccines can prevent transmission of the disease to dogs that have been inoculated, although neither type of vaccination is guaranteed to provide protection. in fact, the best way to prevent a dog from contracting kennel cough is to not expose him to other dogs, particularly young puppies.
Medical science has only recently become aware that Bordetella bronchiseptica might indeed cause health issues in humans, especially people whose immune systems are suppressed or otherwise compromised. kennel cough does not appear to pose a risk for normal, healthy adults, but young children and people with compromised immune systems should avoid coming into contact with any dog that shows kennel cough symptoms.
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Dog Health : Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs
Symptoms of kennel cough in dogs include coughing three to five days after their stay, white foam coming out of the mouth, a low-grade fever and an unproductive cough. Discover how dogs with kennel cough will often retch and gag with help from a vete…
Dog Symptom | Symptoms of kennel cough will develop within a week …
The symptoms of kennel cough should be considered. Tracheobronchitis canine infectious tracheo-bronchitis, Bordetella or Bordetella are some of the medical terms used to illustrate the kennel cough. One of the most common disorders in …
Publish Date: 12/04/2010 10:33
dog.petsgo.org/dog-symptom-symptoms-of-kennel-cough-will-develop-within-a-week-after-a-dog-has-been-exposed/
How long does “kennel cough” symptoms usually last? – – questions …
Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease usually caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica. it is passed from one dog to another in confinement or close contact situations when the infected …
Publish Date: 09/16/2010 9:00
vetinfo.com/vets/answers/how-long-does-kennel-cough-symptoms-usually-last