It is the season for coughs and sneezes in humans AND dogs. The Labor Day Holiday rush brought many dogs in for boarding while their families took vacations, and just like the kids returning to school it is a time that germs can spread between new friends, as dogs build up their immune systems amid significant shifts in their home environments and schedules as a new school year starts.
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing communication with pet parents and making sure that every dog in our care has the best opportunity to thrive, we wanted to share some important information about canine cough and tips on prevention from our collaboration with Dr. Jen the Vet.
Canine cough, also known as kennel cough (we don’t love that term), is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs most often caused by a combination infection of the canine parainfluenza virus (PiV) and Mycoplasma sp.bacteria. Below are important facts about canine cough and its prevention:
Causes:
The most common pathogen involved in canine cough is canine parainfluenza virus. However, the most severe illness is produced by the combination of a virus and a bacteria. The most common combinations are:
- Canine parainfluenza virus + Mycoplasma cynos
- Canine parainfluenza virus + Mycoplasma canis
- Canine parainfluenza virus + BOTH Mycoplasma sp.
- Canine parainfluenza + Bordetella bronchiseptica
Other common causes canine influenza and canine adenovirus type-2.
Transmission:
Like most respiratory infections, canine cough spreads through droplets in the air when dogs cough, direct contact (like touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (water bowls, leashes). *Please wash hands regularly and use sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
Environment:
Social dogs that have contact with other dogs (such as at the groomer, boarding facility, doggie daycare, dog park, training class, pet stores, even fence to fence and neighborhood contact, etc.) are at higher risk for infection than dogs that remain isolated and never see other dogs.
Symptoms:
- Persistent, dry cough: Often described as a “honking” sound.
- Runny nose (nasal discharge) that is thick and yellow/green
- Mild fever with body temperature higher than 102F
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Symptoms can range broadly from mild to severe and may last only a few days depending on the dog’s overall health.
Diagnosis:
A veterinarian may diagnose canine cough or respiratory infection based on physical exam, history, and vaccination status. If necessary, a veterinarian may need to perform lab tests to determine the precise cause of a dog’s respiratory disease such as PCR, bloodwork like a CBC or chemistry or x-rays to determine if the dog has developed a pneumonia.
Treatment:
Just like with people, most times a dog coughing does not signal a dramatic condition. It may be related to environmental exposures (allergies) and self-limiting and simply resolve with rest and isolation from other dogs within a few days. If the cough persists, changes in character (gets deeper or productive) or the dog develops other clinical signs (like nasal discharge, severe lethargy, fever, stops eating, etc.), then the dog should be seen by a veterinarian.
Prevention:
Successful prevention of respiratory infection in dogs is multi-fold
- Vaccination: Vaccines are not available for all the bacteria and viruses that can cause canine cough; however, vaccines can prevent the most common causes such as canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. It makes a difference HOW the vaccine is given by the veterinarian! The gold standard for preventing ANY respiratory infection in dogs is to use an intranasal vaccine that is a modified live vaccine administered up the dog’s nose.
Other types of vaccines include:
- Injectable: A killed version of the vaccine given by injection.
- Oral: Modified live vaccine given in the mouth.
- Limit exposure: Avoid contact with infected dogs or high-risk environments if your dog is not vaccinated.
- Good hygiene: Disinfect shared spaces, especially in kennels and shelters.
- Healthy immune system: Keep your dog healthy with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups.
Risks:
Canine cough is typically not life-threatening (especially if caught early), but it can lead to complications like pneumonia and even death if ignored and allowed to progress. Dogs with other existing health conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing severe illness from a simple infection. Additionally, young dogs (less than 6 months old) are more likely to develop more severe disease from a respiratory infection than adult dogs.
Contagious Period:
Depending on the cause of the respiratory infection, dogs may be contagious for up to 3-4 weeks after the onset of clinical signs. Dogs may be contagious even before they show signs of illness! Dogs that appear totally healthy may actually be shedding viruses to other dogs.
Summary:
- Intranasal vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
- Avoid high-risk environments for unvaccinated dogs.
- Keep your dog’s immune system strong with regular care.
- By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your dog from this common but manageable condition.
If you have questions or need additional information, you can reach out to your Resort Administrator or call us at: 410-773-7529 Mondays- Fridays 6:30AM-5:30PM and Saturdays 9AM-1PM
Best Friends Fur Ever
The Premier Dog Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, and Training Resorts in Maryland
246 Cockeysville Rd.Cockeysville,MD 21030
1009 Philadelphia Road Joppa, MD 21085