The more manageable name for "canine infectious tracheobronchitis", kennel cough often results in what sounds like violent coughing or even choking. As alarming as the coughing can sound, the good news is that this is usually not a major illness, and it is one that dogs can usually recover from in a fairly short amount of time. Still, there are precautionary measures you can take to keep your pet from having to go through this illness, and steps you can take to help your dog recover sooner.

A dog can come down with kennel cough when they breathe in a bacteria or virus that causes their voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) to swell up. In a healthy dog, this bacteria or virus will be caught in the mucus that lines the respiratory tract, but if this lining is reduced, your dog could be vulnerable to a kennel cough. What can lower your dog's defenses? There are a number of situations that could cause this, some of which include cold weather, going through dusty conditions, or being exposed to cigarette smoke. A kennel cough could also be preceded by time in highly populated areas, especially if they lack good ventilation, as in a shelter or kennel, for example.

The Symptoms
While a chronic, powerful cough is the major sign of this condition, it will not sound like a "reverse sneeze", which will show up in some dogs that have post-nasal drip or a scratchy throat. Apart from a strong cough, dogs might also exhibit sneezing, eye discharge, and a nose that is running. Signals of kennel cough do NOT include a decreased appetite or sudden fatigue.

Kennel Cough Care and Prevention
This is a contagious condition, so if your dog comes down with kennel cough, they should be isolated other animals. You could take your dog to the vet to see if certain medicines or antibiotics could help your dog recover faster, or you could help your dog out at home by having your dog stay in humidified conditions. You can also remove their collar and replace it with a harness to help relieve discomfort. Even without medication, a dog will probably heal up in about three weeks (an elderly dog could need six weeks to recover). However, if this condition lasts longer than this, it could turn into pneumonia. If your dog's kennel cough lingers longer than it should, then you should contact your veterinarian. You also do not want to wait if your dog starts to breath quickly, refuses to eat, or is lethargic; those could be symptoms of a serious issue.

While a vaccination cannot be used as treatment for a dog who already has kennel cough, you might be able to vaccinate your pet against this illness when they are well. This could come as an injection, in a nasal mist, or an oral vaccination. Injections appear to be less effective than the other forms of vaccination, but they are usually necessary for dogs that tend to bite. Puppies are often give two doses of the vaccine to start, at intervals of every four weeks, and then as they get older, a dog will need a booster shot every year. If a dog is particularly prone to contract this illness, they can get vaccinated twice a year.

Expert Help When You Need It
Whenever you encounter serious symptoms in your pet and need emergency treatment, or when you need to find a health expert for your pet's regular care, such as for annual vaccinations, you can find the experienced veterinarian you need on our directory today!