Kennel cough facts for kids
Kennel cough is a common and very contagious illness that affects dogs. It's also known as tracheobronchitis. When a dog has kennel cough, the upper parts of their breathing system, like their windpipe and voice box, become swollen and painful.
This illness can be caused by different things, including viruses (like canine distemper or parainfluenza virus) or bacteria (like Bordetella bronchiseptica). It's called kennel cough because it spreads super fast among dogs living close together, like in a kennel, doggy daycare, or an animal shelter. Think of it like a human cold, but for dogs!
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How Dogs Catch Kennel Cough
Both viruses and bacteria that cause kennel cough spread through the air. This happens when infected dogs cough or sneeze. The tiny germs float in the air and can be breathed in by other dogs.
Dogs can also catch kennel cough by touching things that have the germs on them. This could be shared toys, food bowls, or even the ground where an infected dog has been. A dog can still spread the germs for days or even weeks after they stop showing symptoms. Usually, a dog starts showing signs of kennel cough about 3 to 5 days after being around an infected animal or object. If not treated, this illness can sometimes turn into a more serious problem called pneumonia.
What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
If a dog has kennel cough, you might notice a few things. The most common symptom is a harsh, dry cough, which often sounds like a goose honking. This cough can get worse when the dog is excited or exercises.
Other symptoms can include:
- Gagging or retching (like they're trying to throw something up)
- Sneezing
- Snorting (making a noise with their nose)
- Sometimes, they might even vomit after coughing a lot.
These symptoms happen because the dog's airways are irritated and swollen. A dog with kennel cough might not always have a fever. The illness usually lasts for about 10 to 20 days. Sometimes, it can come back if the dog gets stressed, which can weaken their immune system. Vets usually diagnose kennel cough by looking at these symptoms. Knowing if the dog has been around other dogs is also helpful, but not always necessary, as the germs are everywhere!
Treatment and Prevention
If a dog has a bacterial infection causing kennel cough, a vet might give them antibiotics to help them get better. If the cough is very bad and dry, the vet might also suggest cough medicine to help calm it down. Most dogs recover well from kennel cough.
The best way to prevent kennel cough is through vaccination. There are vaccines available for some of the viruses and bacteria that cause it, like canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. For places like kennels, keeping all the dog cages very clean is also super important to stop the spread of germs. Most kennels will ask for proof that your dog has been vaccinated before they will let them stay there.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A close-up picture of Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, which can cause kennel cough.
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A picture of the parainfluenza virus, another cause of kennel cough.
See also
In Spanish: Tos de la perrera para niños
