While dogs inhale this disease-causing germ deep into their upper respiratory system, they develop the disorder kennel cough. When most infectious particles go into the respiratory system, the mucus that is naturally present will be able to trap them and prevent infection, nevertheless a dog’s standard defenses can be weakened because of contact with cigarette smoke, dust, stress or even cold temperatures. One more way that canines may contract this disease is because of contaminated surface or direct contact with other dogs that are already infected. The disorder remains very contagious even weeks after the signs have vanished.

The principal symptom of kennel cough is an incessant hacking cough that can sound like retching or gagging and may be accompanied by coughing up a white foamy substance. Nevertheless the mutt will generally not present any other signs and symptoms comparable to lassitude or fever and frequently engages in its regular activities. Though, exercises could affect the cough to get worse and the dog may continue to cough day and night. Indications of the illness frequently appear three to five days after the dog contracts the virus. 

Pet dogs that become infected with kennel cough will generally get better within around 3 weeks’ time, but dogs that have other diseases or health conditions and dogs that are older, can sometimes take more time. You may help to reduce the coughing by maintaining your dog in a zone that is well-humidified, and by replacing your leash with a harness to diminish pulling on the neck. Nevertheless dogs with the disorder should still be observed, as there may be a few complications resulting from the illness resulting from the dog developing a secondary bacterial contamination that causes pneumonia, with signs comparable to eye and nose discharged, a raised temperature, loss of appetite and lethargy. Kennel cough may also be a symptom of more serious dog ailments and health conditions like periodontal disease, heart disease, parasites, heartworm and allergies. If the dog fails to recover within the estimated time, or has warning signs like listlessness or deep breathing, you might get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are vaccines accessible to avoid the expansion of kennel cough which are given through nasal mist or injections, but you should comprehend that this will not cure kennel cough and that there is no promise that the disease will not be contracted anyway. Injected vaccines are given to dogs inclined to bite, as the intranasal type is given to dogs housed in kennels and similar environments. Injections are given as a part of the initial puppy shot suite, giving two doses 4-weeks apart with yearly booster shots being given every year after, with yearly intranasal or nasal mist type vaccines being given to dogs annually or as often as every 6-months for dogs that are in kennel situations often, making them more high-risk. Antibiotics are generally given to cure the bacterial infection itself in dogs that are diagnosed with the ailment, with a cough suppressant being given if your dog is not coughing up anything productive.

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Kennel cough in dogs  is a fairly common condition. It occurs when a dog comes in contact with or is near an infected dog. The most likely time when this can occur is when the dog has been kenneled for a period of time.

However, being kenneled is not the only manner in which dogs can contract kennel cough. Dogs  may get infected even when they have not been recently boarded. This is because an infected dog can potentially pass on the infection to another by sneezing and coughing.

The most common viral agent that causes kennel cough is parainfluenza. The incubation period of the virus is three to four days. It is only after the incubation period that the dog shows any signs or symptoms of the infection. The duration of kennel cough in dogs  is approximately six to ten days unless there is another bacterial agent that results in extending the normal period of the condition.

Although bacterial cultures and isolation of the virus is possible to identify the agent causing kennel cough, blood tests are usually not performed since the characteristic nature of the symptoms are fairly easy to diagnose. A brief reference to symptoms, history, and recent exposure to other dogs is enough to obtain a conclusive diagnosis.

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry hacking cough that produces a ‘honking sound’. The cough can be identified if you know that it sounds as if there is something stuck in the throat and the dog is trying to dislodge it by coughing. Even among those who are aware of the specific nature of the coughing sound, the first reaction of the dog owner tends to be to check whether there is actually something stuck in the throat or not.

The coughing or gagging can be quite severe. It may continue for some minutes or be repeated at short intervals. It is often accompanied by a watery discharge. If the sound of the cough is not enough to confirm your hypothesis, a simple way of checking whether the coughing is related to kennel cough or not is to press the throat gently, just in the collar area. If it is kennel cough it will induce coughing.

There is no express need to panic if your dog has kennel cough since the symptoms vanish on their own in mild cases. However, if the cough is severe and your dog expels mucus while coughing, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. The symptoms of kennel cough can progress and may cause fever, lethargy, lack of appetite or pneumonia. In extreme cases, kennel cough can also lead to death.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=452

http://www.auntjeni.com/kennel.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennel_cough

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_kennel_cough.html

http://dogtime.com/articles/155?breaks=2502_5003_5779&page=3&slug=true&title=kennel-cough-in-dogs-vin

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html

http://www.dog-health-guide.org/caninekennelcoughtreatment.html