Kennel Cough (Acute Tracheobronchitis)

What's popularly known as kennel cough is, more precisely, acute tracheobronchitis. It involves inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, or both. Several bacterial and viral agents can cause it.

It tends to occur more often during the fall months and is highly contagious, which is why it's important to see a vet if we spot any of the symptoms described below.

What Is Kennel Cough?

This is a condition involving inflammation of the trachea and/or bronchi. Several viruses and bacteria can be identified in these cases. They can cause the disease on their own or in combination. Among them, the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus stand out.

It's a disease that spreads very quickly, usually during the fall months, based on veterinary clinical experience. It's easy for it to start spreading through a neighborhood or town during these months. That said, places where many animals gather, like kennels, provide the perfect environment for it to spread. And, of course, its hallmark symptom is coughing.

Which Breeds Are More Prone to It?

Given how easily it spreads, the dogs at greatest risk of catching kennel cough are those living in communities with other animals. Kennels, of course, but also shelters, boarding facilities, or any gathering of dogs such as shows or sporting competitions, all increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Acute Tracheobronchitis

As the name suggests, coughing is the main sign of this disease. It's also a very distinctive cough — dry, harsh, and deep. It's usually non-productive (doesn't bring up any discharge) and is often accompanied by gagging and retching.

Generally, this will be the only symptom, and the dog will continue with its everyday life. It usually doesn't cause fever, the dog eats normally and can carry on with its usual activities. That's how most cases go, since kennel cough typically runs its course as a mild illness. In immunocompromised animals, the consequences can be worse.

Treatment to Cure Kennel Cough

Even though it's a mild process, given how easily other dogs can catch it, we should see a vet to set up a treatment plan. This usually starts, after a clinical history, physical exam, and chest X-ray, with a course of oral anti-inflammatories. During treatment, you should switch to a harness instead of a collar, and avoid intense exercise or overly long walks.

NSAID-type anti-inflammatories such as meloxicam are usually enough. Even so, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a week. If the condition worsens, antibiotics may be prescribed for about 7-10 days to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections that could complicate recovery.

Warning Signs During the Illness

In addition, the clinical course can also become complicated in puppies. Treatment for them is more complex, since they can have mucus discharge that interferes with breathing.

So we'll also need to clear the nasal passages and prevent pneumonia, a lung infection that can also occur as a complication. Pneumonia presents with symptoms such as the following:

• Fever. Anorexia — the animal stops eating.
• Productive cough (with discharge). Nasal discharge.
• Exercise intolerance, meaning the dog will refuse to move or become breathless after minimal activity.
• Sneezing. Tachypnea (rapid breathing).

Complications of Acute Tracheobronchitis

In cases where the animal has nasal discharge, a mucolytic such as bromhexine may be needed, since it can significantly interfere with breathing. The vet may prescribe this medication.

Water vapor can also make breathing easier. We can create this at home by taking a hot shower with the door closed and the dog inside the bathroom. This way we generate steam and humidify the air.

Pneumonia, meanwhile, will require antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and treatment of whatever symptoms are present. It's diagnosed via X-ray, which shows a "cotton-cloud" pattern.

Can Kennel Cough Be Prevented?

There are vaccines against several of the agents involved in kennel cough. Some are included in the standard vaccination schedule, such as those for canine parainfluenza virus or certain types of adenovirus. The kennel cough vaccine isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended.

It's usually given intranasally or orally. It's recommended for dogs that go to boarding facilities, attend shows frequently, etc. Revaccination every 12 months is advisable.

Thanks to widespread vaccination, cases of kennel cough have decreased and those that do occur tend to be milder. That said, it mostly appears during the summer-to-fall seasonal shift.

Tips for Households With Dogs Sick With Kennel Cough

Besides the treatment prescribed by the vet, which we should follow strictly, there are a few things we can do at home to help the dog recover. These are:

1. Isolate the sick dog as much as possible if we have other dogs, to prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Likewise, the home should be well ventilated.
3. The dog shouldn't get wet — if it does, dry it thoroughly with towels and a hair dryer.
4. Use a humidifier or hot, steamy showers.
5. The dog should keep going out for walks, but on a harness rather than a collar, and without overdoing the length or intensity.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin (2002): Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid: Editorial el Drac.