Kennel Cough

Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a common infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract of dogs. The disease is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with the main cause being the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. The disease spreads rapidly in areas where there is a high concentration of dogs, such as kennels, boarding facilities and dog parks. Kennel cough is considered a highly contagious disease, but it is usually not life-threatening in adult, healthy dogs.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The main symptom of kennel cough is a dry, persistent cough that sounds like choking or as if the dog is trying to expel a foreign body from its throat. Additional symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, mild fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. In more severe cases, especially in dogs with a weakened immune system, the disease may develop into pneumonia. The disease is diagnosed by a veterinarian through a physical examination and a history of exposure to infected dogs.

Possible Complications

In most cases, kennel cough resolves on its own after 1-3 weeks without complications. However, in severe cases or in dogs with a weak immune system, the disease may lead to pneumonia, difficulty breathing and secondary infections. Puppies, older dogs or dogs suffering from chronic diseases are at increased risk of complications.

Treatment

The treatment of kennel cough focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing complications. In dogs with mild symptoms, medication therapy may not be required at all, and the recommendation will be rest and avoiding exposure to cold. In more severe cases, the veterinarian may recommend antibiotic treatment to prevent secondary bacterial infections, cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Likewise, it is important to avoid putting pressure on the dog's neck, and therefore it is recommended to use a chest harness instead of a collar.

Prevention

Preventing kennel cough includes vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is usually given as part of the dog's routine vaccinations or before a stay in kennels and boarding facilities. In addition, it is recommended to avoid exposing the dog to sick dogs and to maintain a clean and well-ventilated living environment.

Kennel cough is a very common infectious disease in dogs, which spreads rapidly in places with a high concentration of dogs. Although it is usually a mild disease that resolves on its own, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms and to treat the dog if necessary, especially if it belongs to a high-risk population. Prevention through vaccination and maintaining hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection.