Symptoms
Kennel cough is characterized by a “goose honk”, hacking cough. The owner often describes it as sounding like “something is stuck in my dog’s throat”. Watery nasal discharge may be present but usually the dog is bright, alert and playful. It is rarely a serious condition, but occasionally, pneumonia can be a complication in very young puppies and immunocompromised animals.
Infectious Agents Involved
Many infectious agents are involved in causing kennel cough. The most common are parainfluenza, Bordetella brochiseptica and mycoplasma. Canine adenovirus, reovirus and canine herpes virus are possibly associated with the illness. Although any of these organisms may cause the symptoms, the majority of the cases are the result of more than one organism.
How Does The Infection Occur?
Several of these agents contribute to the infection by inactivating the host defense system called the mucociliary escalator. It consists of tiny hairlike structures (cilia) which line the airways and beat in a coordinated fashion to trap debris, including infectious agents in the mucus. The cilia then transport the debris upward towards the throat where it is either coughed up or swallowed. When the mucociliary escalator is damaged, this protective mechanism is lost.
Incubation Period
2-14 Days
Is It Contagious?
Yes, when the dogs are coughing, they are contagious to other dogs (rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats), but not to people.
How Is It Treated?
Antibiotics are usually not useful in shortening the course of the illness. It is self-limiting and lasts 1-3 weeks. Cough suppressants may be used to allow both the dog and the owner to sleep at night. In more severe cases, where the dog is not eating, has a fever, or is exhibiting signs of pneumonia, antibiotics are indicated.
Vaccination and Prevention
The best prevention is not to expose your dog to other dogs with kennel cough. Adenovirus and parainflenza are included in the DHPP vaccination. Bordetella vaccination can be given as an intranasal product or an injection. As a general rule, the intranasal vaccination provides faster immunity than the injectable product.