Kennel Cough in Puppies

One of the most common respiratory diseases in dogs is kennel cough. They can get it at any stage in their life. It is much like the common cold in humans. And your dog can get it at least once in their entire lifetime.

Kennel cough in puppies is caused by airborne bacteria and virus that you dog can easily contract. Viruses like canine parainfluenza are pretty harmful for puppies. This can be prevented by administering a vaccine as early as the first month of the puppy. Vaccination is important to boost the puppy’s immune system. There are several vaccines available for your puppy. Your friendly veterinarian will be able to discuss this with you.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial cause for the condition. This is also airborne. These bacteria usually take longer to cure than viral infections.

The condition’s symptoms are very much similar to the human common cold especially on older dogs. On puppies, you can expect a lot of coughing that may sound like honking. It may also seem like a whooping cough on dogs. The puppy would also have a runny nose. They would have something like post-nasal drip on their noses. The puppy may not display any lack of energy. He may seem well and fine in between the coughing fits.

One thing that you have to be careful of is contracting secondary infections. The puppy’s immune system is still not that strong. Kennel cough in puppies also weakens his immune system. And therefore, the puppy is more susceptible to secondary infections. This can put the puppy in real danger.

If you think your puppy has been infected by the bacteria, the best thing to do is to take it to a veterinarian. He may prescribe some medication to help alleviate the symptoms and help thin the mucus secretions.