Caring for pets is no small task. Pets require shelter, nourishment, water, and socialization, and when they become ill, pets need veterinary care.

One illness that can befall pets is kennel cough. Kennel cough affects dogs, and very often is prevalent among shelter dogs or dogs that are boarded because of the close confines they share with infected canines.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is similar to bronchitis in humans and, similar to bronchitis, it is highly contagious. The American Kennel Club says kennel cough is often referred to as “canine infectious tracheobronchitis.”  However, the ASPCA adds that kennel cough may be used to refer to any complex respiratory condition, be it viral or bacterial, that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box.

One common cause of kennel cough is a bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough is often referred to as (“Bordetella”).

Kennel cough is not often a serious ailment. However, puppies younger than six months of age or immunocompromised dogs may have more severe infections. Veterinarians urge pet owners to bring all coughing issues to the attention of their family vet because more serious diseases, such as distemper and canine influenza, both start off with symptoms identical to kennel cough.

The most recognizable symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. This cough can sound like a honking horn or a goose honk. Some dogs may also exhibit other symptoms, including eye discharge, sneezing and a runny nose. The sneezing should not be confused with reverse sneezes that can be normal among certain breeds.

Dogs commonly catch kennel cough when they share close quarters with other dogs that are affected. In such instances, dogs inhale bacteria or virus particles that are spread by other coughing dogs.

Reducing crowding and poorly ventilated conditions can help slow down the spread of kennel cough in boarding facilities or shelters. Keeping temperatures warm also may help. Pet owners should reduce their dogsÕ exposure to dust or cigarette smoke, which can compromise the protection of mucus in the respiratory tract. Reducing animal stress also may boost natural immune system responses.

Another way to reduce risk is to have the dog vaccinated. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for dogs who are frequently boarded or those that often spend time among large numbers of dogs.

Veterinarians often prescribe an antibiotic and cough medicine to ease the symptoms of kennel cough. Rest is also a good idea. A nebulizer or vaporizer may be suggested.

The AKC says to use a harness when walking a dog with kennel cough so as not to further irritate the trachea with a neck collar.

Kennel cough is a common, contagious disease that is easily transferred between dogs. Learning to recognize its symptoms can help dogs and reduce the spread of the disease.

Dogs that reside in close quarters can be susceptible to kennel cough.