What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Ever hear that hacking, goose-honking cough coming from your furry friend and wonder what on earth is going on? That’s likely kennel cough, a common respiratory infection in dogs, particularly those who spend time around other pups. Basically, it’s like the canine version of a nasty cold. This article will explore the various signs and symptoms so you can better understand what your dog might be going through, and when to seek veterinary care.

My Dog Sounds Like a Goose: The Tell-Tale Cough

The absolute most classic symptom, the one that makes everyone do a double take, is that unique dry, hacking cough. It’s not your regular “I’ve-got-something-stuck-in-my-throat” cough; rather, it’s more like a loud, forceful, and often repetitive honk – sometimes people even say it sounds like a goose. I mean, who knew dogs could mimic waterfowl so well? This cough can happen at any time, but tends to get worse with exercise or excitement. Imagine your dog getting super pumped about a walk and then starting a coughing fit – that’s kennel cough in action. It might come in bouts, or continue on for a good chunk of time. Now, this cough can be a little scary to hear, I remember the first time my dog had it, I was seriously worried!

Aside from the honking, you might also see other types of coughs. Some dogs will cough up a little bit of clear or white phlegm, while others might seem like they’re trying to dislodge something that’s not actually there. It’s not always a super productive cough – a lot of effort with not much coming up. Another detail to take note of is the sound. Is it a deep cough that seems to come from their chest, or more of a shallow and scratchy cough? This can give you and your vet clues to the severity of the problem. Think of it like this: a persistent dry cough is a major red flag for kennel cough. It’s different from the occasional cough after a drink of water. So listen closely and observe carefully. This isn’t something to ignore.

More Than Just a Cough: Other Associated Signs

While that honking cough is the star of the show, kennel cough isn’t always a one-trick pony. Your pup might display other symptoms that often accompany the cough. One of the most common is sneezing, often paired with the cough. It is not always a dramatic sneezy-fit, sometimes it’s just a little more sneezing than you’d normally observe. And like with a human cold, some dogs also experience a bit of a runny nose. This can range from a clear discharge to something a little more mucous-like. You can tell if it’s becoming more severe if it becomes yellow or green, this is a sign of a secondary infection which does require vet attention!

Another thing to look out for is mild lethargy. Your normally zoomie-fueled dog might seem a little slower and more tired than usual. They might not be quite as keen for playtime or walks. This tiredness can be due to the body’s natural fight against the infection, like humans who feel sluggish with a cold. However, it’s crucial to differentiate this mild lethargy from serious signs of illness. If your dog is severely lethargic, refusing to eat, or seems disoriented, it’s time to consult a vet, pronto!

Some dogs might also experience a slight loss of appetite, or may seem to be more sleepy than usual. Imagine how you feel when you have a bad cold; you’re just not feeling yourself, and the same thing can apply to our furry companions. Generally speaking, if their energy level and appetite are only mildly affected then the infection might be quite mild, but do keep a close eye on the situation. It is always better to get any concerns checked out with a vet.

Is My Dog at Risk? Risk Factors and Transmission

So, how does a dog even contract this cough in the first place? Well, kennel cough is highly contagious. It spreads quickly in places where dogs congregate such as dog parks, boarding facilities, training classes, groomers, or any environment where multiple dogs are in close contact. This is why it is often called “kennel” cough. It’s all about respiratory droplets – a cough or sneeze from one infected dog can easily infect others nearby. Think of it like a kid at school sharing their cold with everyone.

Your dog’s level of risk depends on their lifestyle. If your dog is an indoor-only pup, who has very little contact with other dogs, they have a smaller risk of exposure. However, if you go to the dog park regularly, send your dog to daycare or boarding, you’ll want to take extra precautions. Young puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. Also, if your dog is experiencing stress, that can also increase the likelihood of an infection. It’s a bit like having a compromised immune system when you’re tired or stressed.

A good tip is to avoid places where dogs congregate, if you know there’s an outbreak in your area. A responsible dog owner is always on the look out. Also, many boarding facilities and daycares require that dogs are vaccinated against kennel cough, which is a good proactive measure to take as it reduces the risk of the infection. Even then, it’s not 100% guaranteed, as the vaccine covers the most common strains and not all strains.

Kennel cough can be quite unpleasant for our furry friends, and worrying for their owners! However, with careful observation and timely action, it can usually be managed with rest and care, and sometimes veterinary intervention if needed. So listen to your dog, look for those key signs, and take action if needed, your furry friend will appreciate it greatly!