What is kennel cough in dogs: causes and treatment

Kennel cough is in the front respiratory tract of the dog and is an infectious disease. Kennel cough has been given its name because it often arises in a place where many dogs are together, in a kennel for example. It is spread through the air (if a dog sneezes or coughs) or through direct contact (if they collide with the noses). Symptoms that occur with a kennel cough are: a dry, hard cough that can come in combination with gagging, coughing up mucus, elevation, slight nasal discharge and vomiting. Often the cough will pass by itself, but sometimes pneumonia or bronchitis can develop. If kennel cough becomes chronic, it is difficult to cure.

Cause of kennel cough in dogs

The cause of kennel cough can be a virus, the 2 best known are Parainfluenza virus and the Adenovirustype. Bacteria can also be the cause of kennel cough, especially the  Bordetella  bronchoseptica  bacterium. The dog regularly suffers from kennel cough as soon as various viruses are combined with this bacterium.

Treatment of kennel cough in dogs

Kennel cough is very contagious so it is important that you keep your dog away from other dogs. Treatment for kennel cough in adult dogs with mild cough complaints without fever and lack of energy consists mainly of giving rest. Your dog must then be fully recovered within 10-14 days. However, it is recommended to give your dog a product from the beginning so that the irritation of mucous membrane in the throat decreases. There are also other measures you can take to prevent unnecessary irritation in the respiratory tract, such as:

• Give the dog enough rest, so for example, do not go for too long walking.
• Give soft, easily digestible food to the dog.
• Make sure that he does not pull too much on the belt; you can buy a walking harness for this.
• Make sure he's not barking too much and excited.
• Make sure that the room in which the dog is sitting is not smoky, dusty or not well ventilated. Try to keep the space as draught-free as possible.

Preventing kennel cough

Dogs can be vaccinated against kennel cough. By injecting the inoculum into a dog, the dog will produce antibodies that protect him from the infection.

Watch it!

If a puppy or old, weaker dog has kennel cough, it is recommended to go to the veterinarian. These dogs are more susceptible to the onset of severe pneumonia. The vet then prescribes a course of antibiotics.

Also go to the vet if the dog has a fever, is lethargic and there is no improvement within a week. Dogs such as the English Bulldog  or Pug should also go to the vet because they have a relatively small muzzle. These dogs get stuffy faster and can suffer a lot from the kennel cough.