If your dog starts making weird, honking, goose-like sounds, don’t worry, you’re not losing your mind. That is simply an instant sign of kennel cough, a common and contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It’s most often caused by a bacterium called Bordetella Bronchiseptica, but viruses like canine parainfluenza could also play a role. Basically, it’s the dog world’s version of catching a cold at daycare, but a lot louder.
Some of the symptoms other than the coughing include gagging or retching, sometimes a bit of white, foamy ‘vomit’ could be seen. Sneezing or nasal discharge, especially in mild cases, as well as slight lethargy or dips in appetite. If your dog spikes a fever or seems very tired, it might mean complications such as pneumonia, meaning, take your dog to the vet ASAP!
Treatment:
When it comes to treating kennel cough, time and rest are usually the go-to treatment options. Most cases clear up naturally within one to two weeks, but that doesn’t mean your dog won’t need some extra TLC during the recovery period. Start by giving them lots of rest, meaning, avoid long walks, rough play, or anything that could continue to irritate the airways. It’s also a good idea to switch from a collar to a harness, since the pressure on the neck can make coughing worse.
Keeping your dog hydrated is another simple but powerful step. Often, fresh water, and if they’re reluctant to drink, try adding a splash of low-sodium chicken broth for encouragement. For dogs whose coughs are keeping them up at night or making it hard to eat, your vet might recommend a cough suppressant or other medications to make them more comfortable.
If your pets develop a secondary bacterial infection, something you might notice if there’s green nasal discharge, fever, or worsening lethargy, your vet could prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline. These help clear up the bacterial involvement and prevent complications such as pneumonia. In more severe or lingering cases, additional diagnostics such as chest X-rays may be needed to rule out deeper respiratory problems. The key to a smooth recovery is to avoid stress and exposure to other dogs until the coughing completely stops. Think of it as your dog’s “sick leave”; they need rest, quiet, and care to get back to their happy self once again.
Prevention:
Stop Kennel cough before it starts!! Preventing kennel cough is all about small habits and proactive care. The most important tool is vaccination, specifically the Bordetella vaccine, which protects against one of the main bacterial culprits behind the disease. This vaccine is especially crucial if your dog spends time around others at boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, or daycare. Depending on your vet’s advice and your dog’s lifestyle, boosters are normally given every 6-12 months to keep immunity strong.
Beyond vaccinations, good hygiene and air quality play a very important role. It is of vital importance to have strict cleaning and disinfection protocols with proper ventilation to reduce the spread of infectious particles.
Main takeaway
What to do if your dog is infected? ISOLATION. It is so important to keep your dog separate from any others for at least 2-3 weeks after symptoms have completely resolved, since the infection can still be contagious even after the cough subsides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does kennel cough make a dog sound like a “honking goose”?
The infection irritates the trachea (windpipe), causing inflammation that triggers the characteristic dry, honking cough when the dog breathes or barks.
Can kennel cough go away on its own, or does it always need antibiotics?
Most mild cases clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks with rest and care, but antibiotics are only used if there’s a secondary bacterial infection or worsening symptoms.
How can you tell if kennel cough has developed into something more serious?
Warning signs include fever, loss of appetite, green nasal discharge, or extreme tiredness; these can indicate pneumonia or a more severe respiratory infection.
Why is vaccination especially important for social dogs?
Dogs that go to daycare, parks, or grooming salons are exposed to many others, increasing their risk, regular Bordetella vaccinations give them crucial protection.
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