Does your dog or cat appear to have a cold? While your pets can't catch the cold you got from your neighbor's preschooler, they are susceptible to a similar illness commonly known as kennel cough. Keep reading to learn how to prevent, recognize and treat this illness in your pet.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is the common name for infectious tracheobronchitis, a highly infectious respiratory illness that can affect both dogs and cats. One of the most common causes for kennel cough is bordetella; it affects pets in a similar manner to the common cold in humans. Like a cold, it can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, if left untreated. It is typically caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is spread through airborne particles as well as direct contact.
Is It Contagious?
Not only is this illness highly contagious, but it can be transmitted across different species. Your cat and dog give this illness to one another as well as to you and the other humans in your household, although the chances of this happening are slim. Regardless, a sick pet should be kept away from very young children, the elderly and anyone in the household with a compromised immune system.
Besides being spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact, the bordetella bacteria can also be contracted from contaminated surfaces. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling your pet, as well as his food and water dishes, bedding and toys.
Signs
The illness affects dogs and cats slightly differently, but they can share certain signs. Keep an eye out for these clues:
- Coughing, which is more common to dogs than cats
- Respiratory distress
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Exercise intolerance in cats
- Runny, goopy or crusty eyes
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Swollen lymph nodes located in the armpits or the lower jaw
Should You See a Vet?
Although this is usually a self-limiting illness, meaning that it usually clears up on its own with plenty of rest, it's important to have your pet checked by a veterinarian if you notice any signs. One reason is that severe cases may require treatment with antibiotics to prevent the condition from progressing.
The most important reason to see the vet is that these signs could indicate a more serious illness, such as influenza, asthma, other respiratory infections or heart disease. It's safer for your pet to let the vet provide the diagnosis rather than trying to diagnose it on your own.
Tasty Tips
Kennel Cough Treatments
For mild cases, your vet will typically prescribe plenty of rest and separation from other pets and any immunocompromised family members. Your vet may prescribe a series of antibiotics if there is any concern that a secondary infection might occur, or if an infection is the root cause for the kennel cough.
For severe coughing, your pet might also be prescribed pet-safe cough medication, but under no circumstances should a pet ever be given over-the-counter cough or cold medications intended for humans. It's also important to use a harness rather than a leash and collar combination on a dog with kennel cough in order to prevent damage or irritation to the trachea, which could make his cough worse.
Preventing Kennel Cough
A vaccine for bordetella is available for cats and dogs and is generally recommended if your pet is going to be exposed to a large number of strange pets. If you plan to board your dog at a kennel or place him in doggy daycare, a bordetella vaccine will typically be required.
However, the vaccine is not 100 percent effective. The best prevention, says PetWave, is to practice good hygiene and to keep new pets from coming into contact with neighbors' or established household pets for several weeks after entering your home.https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Kennel-Cough/Causes.aspx
The good news is that this illness is usually no more serious for pets than the common cold is for us, although there are exceptions. Just as a cold can be serious for an immunocompromised person, kennel cough can be hard on pets who already have serious illnesses. So, check with your vet if your fur baby seems to have the sniffles or a persistent cough. Chances are, what your pet needs most is plenty of rest and TLC.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Understand Your Pet's Body Condition Score
Monitoring your pet’s body condition score (BCS) can help you help your pet maintain proper growth and weight for a long, healthy life.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat Ham?
With ham & pork products being popular holiday foods, learn how safe it is to give your dog or cat table scraps like ham, bacon and other pork products.
10 Responsible Pet Care Tips
Get helpful pet care tips you can use every day, such as vet visit and identification advice, to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
Hilarious Reasons We’re All Thankful for Our Pets This Year
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Protecting Your Pets During a Natural Disaster: 8 Steps to Get Prepared
Use these 8 simple tips to ensure you and your pet are prepared and protected in times of natural disaster.
How Pets Help Ease the Transition to an Empty Nest
If you're struggling with the future of an empty nest as your kids go to college or move away, pets can help ease that transition.
What do animal shelters do?
An animal shelter near you takes in homeless animals. Learn how it shows animals in shelters aren't there for behavioral or medical problems, and many make healthy pets in loving homes.
Importance of DHA in your Pet's Food
Learn about DHA, Docosahexaenoic Acid, a natural omega-3 fatty acid that is essential in the development of the brain and nervous system in cats & dogs.
Dog and Cat Urine Crystals: What You Need to Know
Crystals in your pet's urine can be common, but can also indicate a deeper health concern. Learn about the different types of crystals & what they mean.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Can Be Double the Fun
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
My Cat Hates My Dog: What Should I Do?
Learn the real reasons why your cat has aggression toward your dog, including types of aggression, why it happens, and tips for helping them get along.
Is My Pet Gay?
Stop wondering whether or not dogs or cats can be gay and discover what science says about this behavior in the animal kingdom.
Secondhand Smoke and Pets: What You Need to Know
Learn how secondhand smoke affects your pets, including signs that smoking is affecting them, and why smoking around animals is dangerous to their health.
Vitamins
Learn more about the different types of viatmins that are important to your pet's nutrition, and what you should be looking for when buying pet food.
Does My Pet Hate Me?
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
The History of "Fighting Like Cats and Dogs"
Are dogs and cats really mortal enemies or can they learn to get along. Read on to learn more about the myth of dogs and cats always fighting.
Do Dogs and Cats have Belly Buttons?
Learn whether cats & dogs have belly buttons like humans, what the function is, and if there are any health concerns associated with it.
Antioxidants
Understand the importance of antioxidants in your dog or cat's food, and how they can help protect your pet and keep them healthy.
How to Help Pets After A Natural Disaster
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.