Has your dog been hacking recently? It could be kennel cough
If your dog spends a good deal of time with other dogs while waiting for a home in a shelter, boarding in a kennel, training in obedience classes, or playing with other dogs at doggy day care or a dog park, it is likely he could contract kennel cough unless preventive action is taken.
Kennel cough is the common name for a highly contagious respiratory disease, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, caused by a number of bacteria and viruses, but most commonly by Bordetella bronchiseptica.
It is transmitted when an infected canine coughs and projects airborne particles that another dog inhales, causing inflammation of his respiratory tract. It can also be spread when an infected dog touches noses or shares toys, food and water dishes with other dogs.
Puppies with immature immune systems and dogs with weakened immune systems are most at risk to contract kennel cough. It is also more common in dogs that spend time in crowded conditions or areas that are not well-ventilated.
It may take up to two weeks after infection for symptoms to appear. The main indicator of kennel cough is a harsh, hacking cough.
It may sound like a honk or look like he has something stuck in his throat. This may be the only sign, but other symptoms can include a runny nose, a loss of appetite, a decrease in activity level and a low-grade fever.
Contact your veterinarian if you think your dog might have kennel cough. Although very mild cases may not require treatment, left untreated it can, in rare cases, progress to life-threatening pneumonia.
Other conditions that cause nearly identical symptoms are dangerous diseases like canine influenza or distemper and serious conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
Depending on your pet's examination, the veterinarian may run tests to rule out other causes of coughing. She will also ask about your dog's risk of exposure. Was he just adopted from a shelter or purchased from a pet store or breeder? Has he recently been boarded or attended obedience classes? Has he been to the groomer or spent time at a dog park within the last couple of weeks?
Antibiotics, cough suppressants and/or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to treat kennel cough. While your dog is recovering, use a harness instead of his collar when taking him outside to prevent further irritation to his respiratory tract. Using a humidifier may also make his throat more comfortable.
Because kennel cough is extremely contagious, keep your dog at home for at least two weeks after diagnosis or onset of clinical signs.
Most cases of kennel cough resolve within a couple of weeks, although it may take longer for dogs with other health conditions. Be sure to let your vet know if your dog's symptoms are not improving.
If your household has more than one dog, try to limit exposure, but most likely, if one of your dogs has kennel cough, the others will too.
A vaccine is available for the most common cause of kennel cough. It is available in three different methods of delivery - oral, intranasal and injectable. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best method and, depending on which one is chosen, it will be given every six months to one year to maintain immunity.
Most boarding, doggy day care and training facilities require Bordetella vaccinations.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).