Kennel Cough Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Just as like common colds in humans, kennel cough is also a common ailment in dogs which is brought about by the viral and bacterial infection of the dog’s respiratory system. Kennel cough usually manifests as harsh and dry cough occasionally distinguished as a honking sound and is sometimes accompanied with retching. Some pet owners characterize the type of cough as sounding like there is something that got stuck into their pet’s throat. Kennel cough is usually persistent, which occurs many several times throughout the whole day. Most of the time, there has been a latest history of coming into contact or even boarding with other dogs.

In addition to the distinguishable cough, other kennel cough signs and symptoms include gagging, snorting, sneezing and retching. These manifestations are particularly obvious after the dog gets excited or just after it exercises. These signs of kennel cough can also be made prominent through the application of a mild pressure on the pet’s throat. These symptoms may also be accompanied with a discharge oozing out of the dog’s nose, which can become purulent in more severe cases.

There are times wherein the pet may remain alert and active even if the dog has been inflicted with kennel cough. Although in cases of sever kennel cough, symptoms may include loss of appetite, lethargy and fever. Persistent and repeated coughing may also bring about difficulty in breathing. Severe cases of kennel cough when left untreated could lead to the progression of the symptoms and even worst, death. Most of the severe cases of kennel cough happen in immunocompromised or as sometimes spelled as immuno-compromised pets or in unvaccinated puppies.

The usual manifestations of kennel cough could become apparent around 7 days after the exposure to another dog carrying the virus, such as those animals found in the hospitals or dog shelters. The symptoms and signs of kennel cough may remain at around 1 to 3 weeks in time. This is why knowing the signs to watch out for is important when dealing with kennel cough in order to protect your beloved pet from the said disease.