Effective Medications, Symptoms, Treatment, & Care for
When a puppy has been at home for just a few days and starts to cough loudly and continuously, what's going on? New pet owners, take note! This could be a sign of Kennel Cough, a condition that's quite common among young dogs. While some puppies may recover on their own after 3 to 7 days as their immunity strengthens, most cases of Kennel Cough require medical attention. Left untreated, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a widespread respiratory disease among dogs. It gets its name from its high incidence in environments where dogs are kept in close proximity, like kennels and shelters. This cough can be caused by a mix of single or multiple pathogens, including viruses (such as canine adenovirus type 2 and canine parainfluenza virus) and bacteria (like Bordetella bronchiseptica), as well as mycoplasma.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Early Stage: The puppy will experience short, hacking coughs, with no apparent changes in their mood or appetite.
Intermediate Stage: The coughing becomes more intense, with spasmodic dry hacking, especially during eating, drinking, exercise, and at night. Some may also exhibit dry heaves.
Advanced Stage: The puppy may show signs of depression, a lowgrade fever (typically between 39 to 40 degrees Celsius), increased discharge from the eyes and nose, frequent coughing, and sore throat.
How is Kennel Cough Spread?
Kennel Cough is primarily spread through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. Contaminated objects, such as food and water bowls, cages, and clothing, can also act as vectors for transmission. Cold, high humidity, and poor ventilation can exacerbate the condition and lead to widespread outbreaks.
☒ Both adult and puppy dogs can be infected, but puppies tend to exhibit more severe symptoms.
Distinguishing Kennel Cough from a Cold
● Cause of Illness: Kennel Cough is caused by infections from viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma; a cold is usually due to exposure to cold weather.
● Affected Population: Kennel Cough is more common in puppies; colds can affect dogs of all ages.
● Infectiousness: Kennel Cough is highly contagious; colds are less so.
● Symptoms: Kennel Cough is characterized by coughing of varying intensity, often with fever, and a longer duration; colds present with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and coughing, but with a shorter duration.
Treatment Methods for Kennel Cough
✔ Antibiotics: Puppies can take Clavamox (amoxicillinclavulanate potassium), while adult dogs can take Doxycycline Hyclate (Doxycycline tablets). Note that Clavamox and Doxycycline should not be used together.
✔ Cough Suppression and Bronchodilation: Guanfacine and aminophylline, with guanfacine offering excellent cough suppression and aminophylline helping to dilate the bronchi, relax smooth muscle spasms, enhance respiratory muscle contraction, and promote expectoration, making it suitable for conditions like bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
✔ Antiviral Medications: Ribavirin and interferon.
✔ Nebulization: Saline solution and gentamicin, among others.
For mild symptoms, you can initially administer antiinflammatory and coughsuppressing medications at home. If symptoms worsen, it's crucial to seek veterinary care for injections and intravenous treatments.
Points for Care
1. Keep the puppy warm during treatment, minimize outdoor activities, and prevent them from catching a chill.
2. Avoid allowing the sick dog to come into contact with healthy dogs to prevent the spread of the virus.
3. Provide the sick dog with adequate protein and vitamins to boost their immunity.
Kennel Cough is a common respiratory illness in dogs. While it's frustrating to hear your furry friend cough, most dogs can recover with timely treatment. To prevent your dog from suffering from Kennel Cough, it's advisable to get them vaccinated promptly.
