Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (especially those in close contact with others – e.g. boarding, shelters)

Kennel cough refers to a contagious complex of respiratory infections (viral and bacterial) that cause tracheobronchitis. It is often caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, plus viruses like canine parainfluenza or adenovirus-2. It spreads easily in enclosed or social environments via airborne droplets or contaminated surfaces. Although usually mild, it can lead to pneumonia in puppies or immunocompromised dogs.

• A persistent
• dry “honking” cough is the hallmark symptom. Affected dogs often gag or retch
• as if trying to clear something
• and may bring up a small amount of white foamy phlegm. Despite the harsh cough
• many dogs remain bright and active with a normal appetite and no fever. In some cases there may be sneezing or a mild runny nose; more severe cases can show lethargy
• fever
• or difficulty breathing if pneumonia develops.

Mild cases often resolve on their own in 1–3 weeks. Veterinary advice may be to rest the dog and use supportive home care: isolate from other dogs, use a humidifier or steam to soothe airways, and avoid neck collars (use a harness). If the cough is very persistent or the dog is uncomfortable, a cough suppressant may be prescribed. In cases with bacterial involvement or if pneumonia is suspected, antibiotics (such as doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanate) are used to clear the infection. Most importantly, limit exercise and stress during recovery.

Medications can include cough suppressants (e.g. butorphanol or hydrocodone) to reduce coughing frequency and bronchodilators to ease breathing. If a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, antibiotics like doxycycline or enrofloxacin are prescribed to help speed recovery. In more severe cases, anti-inflammatory steroids may be used short-term to reduce airway inflammation. Vaccines are available (Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines) to reduce the risk and severity of kennel cough.

• Columbus Veterinary Reviews , Columbus
• The Veterinary Relief Company , Columbus
• James Herriot Memorial Veterinary Hospital , Columbus
• German Village Veterinary Hospital , Columbus
• East Columbus Veterinary Hospital , Columbus