What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a catch-all term for several different conditions that cause your dog to cough and hack repeatedly. More specifically known as tracheobronchitis, the condition can be caused by a bacterial infection known as Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Much like the common cold in humans, kennel cough is rarely serious for dogs and the animals tend to recover on their own.

The term "kennel cough" was coined because the respiratory condition tended to be more prevalent in dogs that were boarded with other dogs, or animals in pet stores or humane societies. The cough goes through an infectious stage, so animals can pass it on to each other.

Dogs can develop the infection under a number of conditions. Just like humans, they are more susceptible to bacteria and illnesses when under stress or when weakened physically. Here are a few things that can make your pooch more likely to develop a cough:

·  Stress or anxiety about crowds or travel, as well as unfamiliar places

·  Exposure to heavy dust, airborne chemicals, or cigarette smoke

·  Inadequate ventilation for extended periods of time

·  Cold weather or air-conditioning drafts

How to Treat Kennel Cough

If your dog seems quite uncomfortable or distressed with the cough, you can administer cough syrup if you want. It's always a good idea to check with your vet before administering medication or diagnosing conditions in your animals.

Because the cough typically goes away on its own, it's usually just a matter of keeping your dog comfortable and out of stressful situations so he can recover. If the cough persists or seems extreme, or your puppy is very young, antibiotics might be needed to help the recovery along. If a serious case goes untreated, it could potentially develop into pneumonia. Check with your vet if your dog is still coughing or acting uncomfortable in a week's time.

You can also ask about vaccinations, which are available to help your canine ward off the next round of infection. The vaccination is only beneficial to prevent future occurrences of the illness; it won't cure your dog if he has the cough now.