Symptoms of Kennel Cough

By Junelia Rodrigues |

October 08, 2010

Kennel cough is a contagious infection common in dogs and cats and the early symptoms of kennel cough are easy to recognize. Kennel cough is also called as Infectious Tracheobronchitis in medical terms. At first you might feel as if your pet is just trying to remove something from his mouth by coughing it out but, it might not be the case. Kennel cough is basically an upper respiratory tract infection which is one of the most common dog illnesses, as well as common among cats. So are you still wondering what kennel cough is and what needs to be done? Let us find out....

Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough in dogs is caused by viruses and bacteria entering the dog's respiratory system, among all of them Bordetella bronchiseptica is most common. When dogs are kept in kennels they usually tend to get infected with bacteria and virus from other infected dogs suffering from any illness. Thus, it is very important to keep your dog in a kennel which is clean, hygienic and mostly one that houses healthy dogs. When dogs play they tend to get very close to each other, this results in them getting infected quickly.

Kennel Cough in Cats
Kennel cough in cats is caused by the same factors that affect dogs and puppies. Even cats are prone to catch infections from dogs around them. Kennel cough is an airborne illness, it takes place when there are dogs and cats in the same house, like if your cat plays with other felines or dogs down the street, if they are kept in a kennel or cattery. And you will be able to notice the symptoms of kennel cough in your cat only if you keep a tab on your cat at most times. You should always pay attention to your cat's health if you find your cat coughing or sneezing continuously.

Kennel Cough Causes
Coughing in dogs may be normal, but if you find your dog or cat coughing continuously for more than a day then prompt action should be taken. Pets get infected fast if they have a very weak immune system, this happens mostly in puppies and kittens that are not vaccinated, as their body cannot resist any kind of infection. Kennel cough takes place in kennels, cattery, dog shows, pet stores and even pet shelters if the animals are not taken care of properly. The causes of kennel cough include various types of bacteria, viruses, parasites like nasal mites which are found in the dogs nose and lung flukes.

Kennel Cough Symptoms
Well, are you still wondering what are the symptoms of kennel cough? Kennel cough symptoms are not difficult to recognize, Your pet will be normal the entire day. It might play, jump and run, but there will be a few changes if you notice carefully. The signs and symptoms of kennel cough in dogs and cats is mostly the same it includes continuous dry hacking cough which sounds harsh and terrible, liquid discharge from the eyes, a running nose, sneezing, vomiting, froth coming from the mouth, loss of appetite, fever etc. and under more severe conditions could also result in death of the pet if quick action is not taken. But results may vary as in some cases the animal might not show many symptoms apart from coughing continuously.

Kennel Cough Diagnosis
As soon as you notice any of the symptoms of kennel cough, do inform your veterinarian about it and fix an immediate appointment. Isolate the infected animal from all the other pets that are in the house. The vet would check your dog's age, if it is vaccinated, allergies and it's living conditions. After that the vet would perform a physical examination, then ask for some bacteria culture test, blood test, urine test, fecal test to be done in order to know which kennel cough vaccine or medicines should be given to your pet.

Kennel Cough Treatment
Kennel cough treatment is very important as you never know about the effect it might have on your pet. The vet is the best person to give the correct information on which medicine needs to be given to your pet. It depends on many factors including age, allergy if any, whether it is a dog or a cat and the condition of the animal. Normally, antibiotics are given to strengthen the immune system. A Bronchodilator or cough suppressant may be given by the vet. In other cases where your pet's condition is very serious, antibiotics aerosol therapy and any Bronchodilator can be given, but cough suppressants and steroids are mostly avoided. There are also some home treatment for kennel cough, like giving your pet homeopathic medicines but always remember to consult the veterinarian before treating your pet at home.

Kennel Cough Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure, you should be knowing that after reading all the inconveniences involved when your pet suffers from all the n number of problems. So always remember to keep your pet away from an infected animal, maintain hygiene and disinfect the area where your pet is at most times. There are two types of vaccines available. The first one is the intranasal vaccine - this is put in the animal's nasal, it is very effective and gives your pet a stronger immune system. The second one is the injectable vaccine - this vaccine is not as effective as the former one. But vaccinating your pet after it shows symptoms of kennel cough won't help. Not only at kennels, you should also follow precautions during animal shows, as you never know which dog might be carrying the infection.

Giving the right kind of treatment to the infected animal after noticing the symptoms of kennel cough is very important, since it could lead to pneumonia or other pet health issues. This insures that your pet's health does not get from bad to worse. And also helps in preventing other animals from getting infected. After reading about the causes, symptoms and treatment of kennel cough, you may have this question at the back of your mind - "is kennel cough contagious to humans?" Well, kennel cough is definitely contagious to humans, especially babies, children and adults having a weak immune system.