Kennel cough represents one of the most common respiratory infections affecting dogs across the country. This highly contagious condition, primarily caused by the canine parainfluenza virus and other pathogens, can quickly spread through kennels, dog parks, and other social environments where dogs gather.
For responsible pet owners, understanding kennel cough and its prevention through proper vaccinations is essential. Regular pet vaccinations not only protect your dog from this uncomfortable and potentially serious condition but also help prevent its spread to other canine companions in your community.
Understanding the Basics of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough in dogs, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs. It’s caused by multiple pathogens working either alone or in combination, with the most common being Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and the canine parainfluenza virus. Despite its name suggesting it only occurs in kennels, this infection can spread wherever dogs congregate. The condition primarily affects the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (airways leading to the lungs), resulting in inflammation that produces the characteristic cough.
6 Clinical Signs of Kennel Cough
- Persistent, dry hacking cough: The most recognizable symptom sounds like your dog is trying to clear something stuck in their throat, often described as a “goose honk” dry cough.
- Retching or gagging: Dogs may appear to be trying to vomit or cough up hairballs, especially after exercise or excitement.
- Nasal discharge: Some dogs develop a runny nose with clear or slightly cloudy discharge as the infection progresses.
- Lethargy and reduced appetite: Dogs with kennel cough may show less enthusiasm for activities and eat less than usual, particularly in more severe cases.
- Low-grade fever: In some cases, especially when multiple pathogens are involved, dogs may develop a slight fever, though this isn’t always present.
- Sneezing and eye discharge: Secondary symptoms can include occasional sneezing and watery eyes as the respiratory system becomes irritated.
How is Kennel Cough Transmitted
Airborne Transmission
Kennel cough pathogens spread easily through the air when an infected dog coughs, barks, or sneezes, releasing respiratory droplets containing the infectious agents. These microscopic particles can travel several feet through the air, making direct contact unnecessary for transmission. Dogs with strong lungs can project these particles across significant distances, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. The airborne nature of these pathogens explains why kennel cough outbreaks can sweep through boarding facilities so quickly.
Direct Contact
Direct nose-to-nose contact between dogs creates a perfect opportunity for kennel cough transmission, as pathogens pass directly from an infected dog to a healthy one. This commonly occurs during typical dog greetings, play sessions, or when sharing close quarters. The canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bacteria can live in a dog’s respiratory tract for several weeks, even after symptoms have subsided. During this entire period, direct contact can lead to transmission, making seemingly healthy dogs potential carriers of the infection.
Contaminated Surfaces
The pathogens that cause kennel cough can survive on surfaces for 48 hours or longer in ideal conditions. Communal water bowls, toys, kennel surfaces, and even human hands can harbor these infectious agents after contact with an infected dog. When healthy dogs then interact with these contaminated items, they may become infected with the canine distemper virus or other pathogens responsible for kennel cough. This indirect transmission route makes thorough disinfection critical in environments where multiple dogs gather.
3 Prevention Strategies for Kennel Cough
Vaccination Options and Schedules
Vaccinations against kennel cough represent the most effective preventative measure available to dog owners. The vaccines target key pathogens including Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus, which are primary contributors to the condition. While vaccines may not completely prevent infection in all cases, they significantly reduce symptom severity and duration if breakthrough infections occur. Most veterinarians recommend kennel cough vaccines for dogs that regularly interact with other canines or visit high-risk environments like doggy daycares.
3 Types of vaccines available
- Intranasal vaccines: These vaccines are administered as nose drops and provide local immunity directly at the site of infection. They typically work faster than injectable vaccines, becoming effective within 3-5 days.
- Injectable vaccines: Delivered as a standard shot, these vaccines may be preferred for dogs that resist intranasal administration or have certain respiratory conditions. They typically take longer to become effective (about 14 days) but may be easier to administer for some veterinarians and pets.
- Oral vaccines: A newer option administered in the mouth, these vaccines offer similar benefits to intranasal versions without requiring direct application into the nasal passages. They’re particularly useful for dogs that are sensitive about having their noses touched but aren’t yet available in all veterinary practices.
Vaccination timing and boosters
- Initial vaccination: Puppies typically receive their first kennel cough vaccination between 6-8 weeks of age, with the specific timing determined by their risk of exposure and overall health status. This establishes baseline protection during a critical developmental period.
- Booster shots: After the initial series, boosters are generally required annually, though dogs in high-risk environments may need more frequent vaccination every 6 months. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate schedule based on your dog’s lifestyle.
- Pre-boarding boosters: Many veterinarians recommend administering vaccines 7-14 days before boarding or other high-exposure situations to ensure maximum protection. This timing allows the immune system to fully respond to the vaccine before potential exposure occurs.
- Multi-year options: Some newer vaccine formulations may provide protection for longer periods, potentially reducing the frequency of boosters needed. Always discuss the most current options with your veterinarian to determine the best protocol for your pet.
Environmental Management
Proper environmental management plays a crucial role in preventing kennel cough by reducing pathogen concentration and transmission opportunities. Regular cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces that come into contact with dogs helps For dog owners and facility managers alike, creating and maintaining a clean environment represents a fundamental step in kennel cough prevention.
5 Home care practices to reduce transmission
- Regular disinfection: Clean food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water and disinfect them weekly with a pet-safe disinfectant solution. This eliminates pathogens that can cause respiratory infections that might collect on these high-contact surfaces.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure good airflow in areas where your dog spends time by opening windows when weather permits or using air purifiers with HEPA filters. Fresh air helps disperse respiratory pathogens and reduces their concentration.
- Separate bedding and toys: If you have multiple dogs and one becomes ill, keep their bedding, toys, and feeding areas separate to prevent cross-contamination. Wash all fabric items in hot water with an unscented detergent.
- Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling other dogs before interacting with your own pet. This simple practice can prevent you from becoming an unwitting carrier of kennel cough pathogens.
- Isolation of sick dogs: Keep infected dogs separated from healthy ones for at least 14 days after symptoms resolve. Even after visible symptoms subside, dogs may continue shedding the infectious agents for several weeks.
Risk Reduction
Implementing specific risk reduction strategies helps minimize your dog’s chances of contracting kennel cough, especially when complete avoidance of social situations isn’t practical or desirable. Understanding your dog’s individual risk factors, including age, vaccination status, and overall health, allows you to make informed decisions about which environments pose acceptable versus unacceptable risks. Maintaining open communication with facility managers about their disease prevention protocols and outbreak history provides valuable information for assessing potential exposure risks before leaving your pet in their care.
4 High-risk environments to watch out for
- Boarding kennels and daycare facilities: These environments house multiple dogs in close proximity, often with shared air circulation systems that can spread respiratory pathogens quickly. Always verify vaccination requirements and cleaning protocols before boarding your dog.
- Dog parks and dog beaches: These popular socialization spots bring together dogs of unknown health and vaccination status, creating opportunities for pathogen transmission through shared toys, water, and direct contact. Visit during less crowded times to reduce exposure risk.
- Training classes and dog shows: Indoor training environments and competition venues often have limited ventilation and house many dogs experiencing travel stress, which can compromise immune function. Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated before participating in these activities.
- Grooming salons: The combination of multiple dogs, handling by staff who touch many animals, and potential stress from the grooming experience increases infection risk. Choose facilities that require proof of vaccination and visibly practice good hygiene between clients.
Can kennel cough be treated?
Kennel cough is highly treatable, with most cases resolving with appropriate care and medication. The typical course of uncomplicated kennel cough lasts between 7-14 days, though coughing may persist for up to three weeks in some dogs. Treatment for kennel cough varies on symptom severity, with mild cases often resolving with rest and supportive care alone. For more severe infections, especially those involving the canine distemper virus or complicated by secondary bacterial infections, veterinarians may prescribe a combination of medications to relieve symptoms and address underlying causes.
6 Treatment Options Available
- Rest and limited exercise: Reducing physical activity helps prevent irritation of the already inflamed airways and gives the respiratory tract time to heal naturally. Short, gentle leash walks are usually fine, but strenuous play and extended exercise should be avoided until symptoms resolve completely.
- Cough suppressants: For dogs with particularly severe or persistent coughing, veterinarians may prescribe cough suppressant medications to provide comfort and prevent further irritation of the throat. These medications help break the cycle of coughing that can delay healing.
- Antibiotics: When bacterial pathogens like Bordetella are involved or secondary bacterial infections develop, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the infectious agents. These medications aren’t effective against viral causes but help address bacterial components of the infection.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: In some cases, veterinarians prescribe medications to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making breathing easier and reducing cough frequency. These can provide significant comfort to dogs with moderate to severe symptoms.
- Hydration support: Ensuring adequate fluid intake helps thin mucus secretions and maintain overall health during recovery. Some dogs may need subcutaneous fluids if they’re not drinking adequately or are becoming dehydrated.
- Humidifiers or steam therapy: Adding moisture to the air can soothe irritated airways and help loosen mucus, making coughing more productive. Running a humidifier near your dog’s resting area or bringing them into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes can provide noticeable relief.
Conclusion
Understanding kennel cough and its implications for your dog’s health empowers you to take proactive steps toward prevention and early intervention. By recognizing the signs early and implementing appropriate prevention strategies, including vaccinations against the canine parainfluenza virus and other pathogens, you can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of contracting this uncomfortable respiratory condition.
If you have concerns about kennel cough or need to schedule vaccinations for your furry family member, the team at West Hills Veterinary Centre + Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can develop a personalized vaccination plan for your dog based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for more pet health tips, or read our glowing reviews on Yelp and NextDoor to see why local pet owners trust us with their beloved companions.
