Generally, an occasional cough is a normal behavior. If your dog exhibits signs of regular repeated coughing, what would be called a chronic cough, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian.
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all cause coughing in infected dogs. These infectious agents can target the entire airway from the upper respiratory tract down into the lungs causing several different conditions, such as bronchitis and pneumonia depending on the specific infection. Kennel cough is the most common infectious cause of coughing though it may not always be attributed to just one agent.
Sometimes, Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple different viruses or bacteria. Dogs with Kennel cough tend to have a deep, dry, hacking cough along with possible sneezing, snorting, gagging and in some cases, vomiting. Contact with other dogs is the primary way to get the highly contagious viral or bacterial infection that causes Kennel cough.
Be aware for symptoms if your dog has been boarded recently or has been exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at a dog park. Canine chronic bronchitis produces a dry, hacking cough in dogs that worsens with exercise and excitement. It is caused by persistent inflammation of the airways. Inflammation swells the lining of the airways and produces mucus which further narrows the passages in the lungs.
Exposure to airborne pollutants and irritants such as cigarette smoke, are thought to lead to the disease. Chronic bronchitis in dogs is considered a progressive disease that will worsen with time and requires regular management to help ensure the best quality of life possible. Treatment options for chronic bronchitis focus on managing the inflammatory response.
Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred anti-inflammatory format for long term management of the condition. Unlike oral steroids and injectable formats, inhaled medications target the lungs directly and do not cause the same side-effects e.
Inhaled bronchodilators may also be prescribed. Versions of bronchodilators that are rapid acting with short-term effects, such as salbutamol and albuterol, may be used in cases of respiratory distress to open constricted airways.
These short acting bronchodilator medications should not be used as the only therapy as they do not treat the underlying inflammation.
If your dog has kennel cough, try to keep him completely separated from other dogs, both in the household and out in public, and isolate his food and water bowls, bedding, and toys as well.
Wash your hands and clothes immediately after handling your dog or his belongings. Kennel cough and its triggers are not usually contagious for humans, but there is one exception: bordetella bronchiseptica can be transmitted from dogs to immunocompromised people. However, this is extremely rare. Talk to your veterinarian and your physician if you or a family member have a compromised immune system; dogs suspected to have a case of kennel cough should be isolated from compromised people until the infection has cleared.
Kennel cough can be contagious to certain other household pets, like cats. However, just like transmission to humans, this is highly unlikely. The most susceptible would be very young kittens and cats with severely compromised immune systems. If you suspect your dog could have kennel cough, isolate him from at-risk kittens and cats. In general, dogs who have kennel cough are no longer contagious after days.
This window can be shortened if antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection. The cost for treating uncomplicated cases of kennel cough tends to be low, as hospitalization and antibiotics are typically not required. The costs vary depending on your individual veterinary care provider as well as your location bigger cities have higher costs of living across the board, and that includes veterinary care.
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind while your dog recovers from kennel cough is to keep him isolated from other dogs. This is especially important to remember around unvaccinated or immunocompromised dogs, as the disease can have more serious consequences for these animals. Remember that you can spread infection via your hands and clothing, so take care not to introduce the pathogens accidentally on your person. Most dogs recover from kennel cough on their own within 10 to 20 days.
Infection in humans can cause serious disease or no symptoms at all. Bordetella bronchiseptica can indeed infect cats, although this is not common.
As with other species, cats carrying Bordetella may or may not have any symptoms of respiratory disease. In theory, your cat could actually give kennel cough to your dog.
After an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Auburn University, she returned to North Carolina, where she has been in small animal primary care practice for over 20 years.
By Role. August 2, American Veterinarian , August , Volume 1, Issue 2. Harsh, dry cough Clear, watery discharge from the nose Normal or slightly reduced appetite Normal activity level The cough usually begins 5 to 10 days after exposure and can last up to 3 weeks.
Canine respiratory viruses. Vet Res. Tracheobronchitis in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual website. Revised November Accessed May 12, Detection of respiratory viruses and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with acute respiratory tract infections. However, there are a few home remedies that can ease symptoms to keep dogs more comfortable for the duration of the infection.
For example, keeping the dog in a humid environment can help soothe the dry cough and reduce the frequency of coughing fits. Try using a portable humidifier to add more moisture to the air if necessary.
Be sure to call the office before coming by so the vet can prep their exam table and minimize infection exposure for other dogs and animals. Most vets prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. They can also prescribe cough medicine to calm the cough. Request A Catalog Call Us -
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