Kennel Cough (Photo credit: yerfatma)
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs.
What Are the General Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
A persistent dry cough with a “honking†sound is the main clue your dog’s caught kennel cough. In most cases, she’ll appear healthy except for the cough. Her appetite and activity level usually won’t change, but don’t be alarmed if she gags and coughs up a white, foamy phlegm—these signs are often worse after exercise, or if she’s excited or pulls against her collar. Some dogs may also develop a fever and nasal discharge.
How is kennel cough transmitted?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease. It transmits to other dogs much the same way as a human cold transmits in humans through airborne organisms or dog to dog contact.
Incubation Period of Kennel Cough
The incubation period from the time the dog first contracts the infection to the time that symptoms develop is typically between 3 to 10 days
Kennel cough is so named because it is often spread in areas where many dogs are confined together such as boarding kennels or animal shelters. Other at risk situations are dog groomers, animal hospitals and dog shows. One infected dog can soon infect many others even if it is not showing any symptoms of kennel cough at the time.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
Your vet will recommend treatment based on the severity of illness in your dog. Many dogs recover without treatment, so your dog may simply require monitoring to ensure the symptoms are not worsening. For dogs with severe coughs, a cough suppressant may be prescribed, and in come cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections. If your dog has symptoms such as fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, more intensive treatment will be recommended.
Pressure from a collar can exacerbate kennel cough symptoms, so switching to a harness is recommended for the duration of the illness.
Is Natural Remedies for Kennel Cough Right for Your Dog?
When it comes to different treatments for kennel cough, many people will turn to natural remedies first. There is some controversy as to whether these remedies are effective or not, but those who believe they are not typically have not applied them properly.
Doing a small amount of research as to what treatment for kennel cough will work best for you pet will give you all the details you need to apply these homeopathic remedies yourself, ensuring your dog’s overall long-term health.
There are a number of different home remedies for kennel cough. Some of them include home steaming treatments, herbal remedies, and homeopathic remedies.
About Vaccines for Kennel Cough
Many veterinarians recommend bordetella vaccines – either by injection or nasal mist delivery. I’m not one of them, however.
Many boarding kennels, doggie daycare facilities, groomers and other similar businesses require dogs be vaccinated for kennel cough. Please understand the reason behind this requirement – it is to remove liability from those establishments.
The truth is, these vaccines are ineffective and will not prevent your dog from getting kennel cough. The infection is caused by a wide variety of bacterial and viral agents, and no single vaccine can provide protection from them all. Nor will the vaccines treat an active infection.
On the rare occasion I provide a bordetella vaccine — usually for a client who is leaving a dog at a facility that demands it — I always use the nose drop variety as it is much less toxic, doesn’t contain adjuvants, and has few if any side effects. And remember, your dog can still acquire the infection even if she’s been vaccinated.
If you must vaccinate your dog for some reason with the injectable kennel cough vaccine, consult a holistic veterinarian about detox agents and doses.
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