Kennel Cough

[mandy4]

Both of my girls seem to have kennel cough. I was in the vet a week ago to get them chipped and now they are both starting to cough and this weird snorting, pretty sure its kennel cough. Bella, my oldest, was coughing through the night. Im going to take them to the vet first thing in the morning, its Sunday here, and nothing is open. What can I do to help them until tomorrow morning? I feel so bad..they are still eating and drinking and playing, but they just sound aweful
Thanks in Advance

[peachesmom1sc]

Kennel Cough in Dogs




If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like he's choking on something, he may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment.
What is kennel cough?

Just as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes. One of the most common culprits is Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, which is why many people use the terms kennel cough and bordetella interchangeably. Most dogs that become infected with bordetella bacteria are infected with a virus at the same time. These diseases, which are known to make dogs more susceptible to contracting bordetella infection, include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, parainfluenza virus and canine reovirus.
Dogs "catch" kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract. This tract is normally lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles, but there are a number of factors that can weaken this protection and make dogs prone to kennel cough infection, which results in inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).
These factors include:
Exposure to crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions, such as are found in many kennels and shelters
Cold temperatures
Exposure to dust and/or cigarette smoke
Travel-induced stress

Symptoms of kennel cough

The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. This is distinct from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat.
Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.
If your dog has kennel cough, he probably will not lose his appetite or have a decreased energy level.
Treating and preventing kennel cough

Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep him away from other animals and contact your veterinarian.
Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target the bordetella bacteria and cough medicines.
You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing.
Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. Because serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions.
















Treating and preventing kennel cough continued...

There are two forms of vaccine for kennel cough, one that is injected, and one that is delivered as a nasal mist. Although these vaccines may help, they do not guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis because it can be caused by so many different kinds of bacteria and viruses. Also, it is important to realize that neither form of the kennel cough vaccination will treat active infections.
The injected form of the kennel cough vaccination is typically used for dogs that are likely to bite. Puppies typically receive two doses initially, about four weeks apart, followed by yearly booster shots.
The intranasal kennel cough vaccination is typically given to dogs once a year, but may be recommended to be given every six months for dogs at high-risk for kennel cough. This form of the vaccine tends to provide dogs protection against kennel cough sooner than the injected shot.

[mandy4]

Thanks very much for the information..They are not constantly coughing or making the snorting sounds, but they are doing it. I really noticed it lastnight with Bella..Blossom does it every now and then, but nothing like Bella. Bella is 2 and Blossom is 4 months old. I will see what the vet says, I would rather be safe with my girls..

[ladyjane]

You are wise to take them to the vet! Kennel cough can turn into pneumonia. I hope they are both well soon!
Keep us posted!

[Shairamatt]

Originally Posted by mandy4

Thanks very much for the information..They are not constantly coughing or making the snorting sounds, but they are doing it. I really noticed it lastnight with Bella..Blossom does it every now and then, but nothing like Bella. Bella is 2 and Blossom is 4 months old. I will see what the vet says, I would rather be safe with my girls..

It’s even common with dogs that get good care. we will talk about why do dogs get kennel nose, How it treat kennel nose in dogs. common reason for kennel rose in dogs is constantly rubbing of their nose. When dogs left alone at home for a long period of time, they start rubbing their nose on a rough surface.