What causes kennel cough for dogs? Kennel cough is a very contagious bacterial infection that causes the tracheal and bronchial tubes to be inflamed, causing a very intense dry coughing. This is often accompanied by a fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and excessive salivation. This type of cough can sometimes sound just like your dog is having something stuck up their throat.
The incubation period for kennel cough in dogs is usually three to four days. It can last up to two weeks, or even longer if the puppies have not received treatment. The cough usually goes away after one week or so. However, it is important to note that puppies that have not received treatment can develop an infection of the lungs if they do not get medical care in time.
There is no known cause for this condition in dogs, but it seems to be highly contagious. It commonly occurs among younger puppies that haven’t received the appropriate immunizations. It also seems to be highly contagious during the cold seasons. The clinical signs will not appear until the condition has developed into a more serious respiratory illness.
The clinical signs will include a persistent cough, which might be productive of an infection (although it would be uncharacteristic of it to just cough up blood). There may be a yellowing of the mucous membranes – the linings of the airways – along with a general appearance of being unwell. There might also be nasal discharge and difficulty in breathing as well. As the condition develops, there will be several weeks of discomfort before the dogs finally show signs of recovery. Recovery times vary, depending on how severe the condition is and how long it takes to clear up.
If the symptoms don’t disappear over the course of a few weeks, then your vet may prescribe a medication to treat the symptoms. These medications are designed to treat both the symptoms of the cough and the infection that often accompany it. Once again, puppies are at risk for developing an infection if they don’t receive medical treatment within several weeks. If the symptoms are not treated, your dog’s chance of full recovery is highly unlikely.
There are a variety of other potential causes of kennel cough in dogs. One of these is a viral infection called parainfluenza, also known as the cold virus. This virus is most common in younger dogs and is usually caught from another dog. Unlike the kennel cough virus, the symptoms with parainfluenza include severe lethargy and fever. Your vet will likely want to conduct a test to confirm whether your dog does, in fact, have the parainfluenza infection. He may recommend that your dog be quarantined until he is completely recovered.
Another cause of kennel cough in dogs is dehydration. The condition occurs when the body is trying to conserve water and cannot do so because the kidneys and the lungs are not functioning at optimal efficiency. This condition tends to affect younger puppies more than older dogs. It is important to take care of a dehydrated dog carefully so that he can prevent the condition from getting worse.
A third possible cause of kennel cough in dogs is canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or CIT. CIT is very similar to kennel cough, but it also has a fever, a distinct smell in the throat, and kennel cough-like symptoms. CIT can also result in nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, coughing, and vomiting. This condition generally shows up after a dog has been exposed to a virus or bacteria that is a potential concern. It is best to isolate your canine from the potential disease and treat him quickly if he is affected.