What Does Kennel Cough Sound Like?

Understanding Kennel Cough and its Symptoms

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses and is often spread in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities.

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, dry, hacking cough that sounds like the dog is trying to clear something from its throat. Other symptoms may include lethargy, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. In severe cases, dogs may also experience a fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

If you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, it is important to seek veterinary care right away. While the condition is typically not life-threatening, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia in some cases. Your veterinarian will be able to provide a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment, which may include antibiotics, cough suppressants, and supportive care.

The Characteristic Cough of Kennel Cough

The cough associated with kennel cough is a distinctive symptom of the infection. It is usually dry, hacking, and persistent, and often sounds like the dog is trying to clear its throat. The cough may be triggered by exercise, excitement, or pressure on the dog’s trachea, such as from wearing a collar or leash.

In some cases, the cough may be accompanied by a honking or wheezing sound, particularly when the dog inhales. This is known as a “reverse sneeze” and is a common symptom of kennel cough.

While the cough associated with kennel cough is usually not severe or life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable for the dog and disruptive to their daily activities. If you notice your dog coughing frequently or exhibiting other symptoms of kennel cough, it is important to seek veterinary care right away to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Differentiating Kennel Cough from Other Coughs

While the cough associated with kennel cough is distinctive, it can be difficult to differentiate from other types of coughs. For example, dogs with allergies or asthma may also experience coughing, as can dogs with heart or lung disease.

One way to distinguish kennel cough from other coughs is by paying attention to the dog’s other symptoms. Dogs with kennel cough may also exhibit sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, which are not typically seen with other types of coughs. Additionally, the cough associated with kennel cough is usually dry and hacking, while coughs associated with other conditions may be wet or productive.

If you are unsure whether your dog’s cough is due to kennel cough or another condition, it is important to seek veterinary care for an accurate diagnosis. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood work to help determine the underlying cause of your dog’s cough.

How Kennel Cough is Diagnosed

Diagnosing kennel cough typically involves a combination of a physical exam, medical history, and diagnostic testing. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s chest and lungs for any abnormalities and may also check for other symptoms such as runny nose or watery eyes.

Your veterinarian will also ask about your dog’s medical history, including any recent exposure to other dogs or kennels, as well as any other symptoms your dog may be experiencing.

Diagnostic testing may include blood work, X-rays, or a tracheal wash, which involves collecting a sample of mucus from your dog’s respiratory tract. These tests can help confirm the diagnosis of kennel cough and rule out other underlying conditions that may be causing your dog’s cough.

Once a diagnosis of kennel cough is confirmed, your veterinarian will recommend a course of treatment based on the severity of your dog’s symptoms. In most cases, treatment for kennel cough involves antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections and cough suppressants to help alleviate the cough. Additionally, supportive care such as rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet can help your dog recover more quickly from the infection.

Treating Kennel Cough: What You Need to Know

Treatment for kennel cough typically involves a combination of medication and supportive care. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat any bacterial infections that may be contributing to your dog’s symptoms, while cough suppressants can help alleviate the cough and make your dog more comfortable.

In addition to medication, there are several steps you can take at home to help support your dog’s recovery from kennel cough. These may include:

• Rest: Allow your dog plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercise until they have fully recovered.
• Hydration: Ensure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to drink and encourage them to drink regularly.
• Nutrition: Provide your dog with a high-quality, nutritious diet to help support their immune system and promote healing.
• Humidity: Use a humidifier or place your dog in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes each day to help ease coughing and promote healing.
• Isolation: Keep your dog isolated from other dogs to prevent the spread of infection and minimize stress on their respiratory system.

Most dogs with kennel cough will recover fully with proper treatment and care. However, in some cases, complications such as pneumonia may develop, so it is important to closely monitor your dog’s symptoms and seek veterinary care if their condition worsens or fails to improve.