Kennel cough in canines is as common as head cold in humans. It is caused by a number of agents – viruses as well as bacteria. The most common agents that cause kennel cough are parainfuenza (viral) and bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterial).

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection of the bronchi and throat that causes a prolonged dry hoarse cough. The infection as such is neither serious nor painful to warrant panic but long spells of honking cough can be extremely frustrating for the owner and uncomfortable for the dog. Medically, kennel cough in dogs can potentially lead to weakening of the immune system and secondary infections like pneumonia.

Common symptoms of kennel cough include fever, listlessness, spasmodic and prolonged cough, lack of appetite and nasal or eye discharge. The severity of the infection determines the level of symptoms that are manifested. In most cases, your dog may behave normally with a dry cough as the only apparent symptom.

The best treatment for kennel cough is to let the condition run its course as there is no cure for this condition. The most that dog owners can do is to attempt to ease the discomfort of the dog. Keeping the dog in a humid environment, keeping a vaporizer near his resting place and reducing exercise can limit coughing spasms. In cold climates, the dog should be kept warm. Mild cough medication can also be used after consultation with a veterinarian.

The duration of kennel cough in dogs is short as the disease is self limiting and symptoms usually disappear on their own. However, vaccination is often advised as a preventive measure. As there are numerous agents other than parainfluenza that can cause kennel cough, vaccinations may not provide complete prevention all the time.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and it is advisable to get the vaccination updated every time you have to board your dog or take him to potentially risky environments like a veterinarian or a dog show.

Another preventive measure that you can take is to use natural and herbal remedies to strengthen the immune system of your dog. All dogs that board with other infected dogs do not contract the disease. This suggests that animals with a strong immune system are at a reduced risk of infection.

Dry cough in puppies is often noticed some days after they have been brought home from pet stores. This is mostly due to the incubation period of the infectious agents. Kennel cough in young dogs is more serious and should be attended to in time.

In case you have vaccination on your mind, ensure that you wait for five to six days after you bring him home. If there are signs of dry cough then wait till the time the symptoms disappear because vaccinating the puppy during infection may not be effective at all.

Reference:

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Kennel_Cough

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