Kennel Cough: Signs, Symptoms, and when to make a vet appointment

 Kennel Cough and Upper Respiratory Infections

Kennel Cough and Upper Respiratory Infections are highly contagious respiratory infections in the upper respiratory system of dogs. When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, the disease becomes airborne and can be transmitted to other dogs without direct contact. The proximity at dog parks, behavior classes, boarding, or grooming facilities provides the environment the disease needs to spread. Much like a cold or flu in humans, an infected dog’s immune system often clears the infection without medical intervention. 
We have recently seen higher rates of dogs presenting for the common signs and symptoms of Kennel Cough and other Upper Respiratory Infections. The doctors of Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center are here to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about these infectious diseases.
 

          1. My dog is vaccinated, can they still get kennel cough?

               - Yes, as with the flu vaccine in humans, vaccines for dogs do not cover every strain of Kennel Cough or Upper Respiratory Infection, although vaccines can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the disease even when not preventing it completely.

          2. What are the signs and symptoms?

               - Dogs with Kennel Cough or Upper Respiratory Infections often show the following signs:
                      - Sneezing or Reverse Sneezing (a sudden, usually repeated abrupt "snorting"  inhalation, sometimes mistaken for choking)
                      - Coughing (may look like hacking or throat clearing)
                      - Nasal Discharge

          3. How long does it take for the signs to resolve?

               - Much like in humans, these kinds of infections are often, although not always, self-limiting because a dog's immune system will generally mount an immune response to fight the infection within several days (rarely this can take up to 2-3 weeks)

          4. How long is my dog contagious?

               - Different strains of these infections and individual immunity affect the length of time a dog is contagious.  Dogs should be quarantined for 3 weeks in most circumstances to ensure they are no longer contagious. During this time frame, they should be prevented from having close contact with other dogs.

          5. What are the common treatments?

               - As in people with a cold or flu, in some instances, no medications are necessary while the infection runs its course.  However, in some cases of bacterial infections antibiotics are used to treat the infection if judged to be serious.  Some indications that a respiratory infection is serious is if your dog is exhibiting the signs explained below

          6. When should I bring my dog in?

                - Please call our hospital at (925) 866-8387 if your dog exhibits any of the following:
                      - Lethargy
                      - Not eating
                      - A cough so severe they cannot rest 
                      - Difficulty breathing
                      - Concern for fever
                          - Geriatric or with other underlying diseases (heart disease, collapsing trachea etc.)
                          - Very young (< 4 months)