Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a broad term used to describe an infectious condition characterized by coughing and other respiratory symptoms. Kennel cough is rarely serious in healthy animals, but it can lead to complications such as pneumonia in pets with compromised immune systems.
It is important to remember that kennel cough is a highly contagious condition which can spread quickly between animals. For this reason, it’s important to isolate pets with kennel cough and seek veterinary care to prevent the spread of the condition.
Causes of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is more common in dogs than cats and can be caused by various bacterial and viral pathogens including bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus, and canine parainfluenza virus. In cats, the condition is caused only by the bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium.
The condition is spread by airborne particles and can be easily transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. This is why kennel cough spreads so rapidly in kennels, animal shelters, and similar places with large numbers of animals.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Please take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible if they display any of the following common signs and symptoms of kennel cough.
- A persistent dry cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy
Diagnosis of Kennel Cough
Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions to learn about the onset of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a physical examination to check for signs of the condition.
Routine diagnostic tests will usually be carried out to assess your pet’s overall health and rule out other underlying conditions. These may include bloodwork, a urinalysis, chest X-rays, and a fecal examination. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend more advanced tests such as bacterial cultures.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
Treatment of kennel cough will depend on the severity of your pet’s condition. If symptoms are mild, medications such as cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories may be sufficient to minimize your pet’s symptoms and make them more comfortable.
In more severe cases, antibiotics or other medications will be prescribed to fight infection. Please give your pet plenty of time to rest and recuperate during the recovery process, and isolate them from healthy animals. It is also important to provide plenty of clean water and feed a nutritious and balanced diet.
Prevention of Kennel Cough
If your pet regularly comes into contact with other animals, it’s a good idea to have them vaccinated against bordetella bronchiseptica. Please speak to your veterinarian for more advice on vaccines to prevent kennel cough.
