Canine Cough Information

What is Canine Cough?
Canine cough is infectious trachea-bronchitis, an upper-respiratory disease that is highly contagious.

What causes Canine Cough?
Just as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, canine cough itself can have multiple causes. There are viral and bacterial causes of Canine Cough.

One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m– which is why canine cough is often called Bordetella. Other common viruses and bacteria that can cause Canine Cough include, but are not limited to: canine adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, canine influenza, and mycoplasma.

How do dogs catch Canine Cough?
Dogs “catch” canine cough when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract. This tract is normally lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles, but there are a number of factors that can weaken this protection and make dogs prone to canine cough infection, which results in inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).

Are vaccines 100% effective against canine cough?
No, Canine Cough can be caused by many different viruses and bacteria, often in combination. Canine Cough vaccines are typically targeted against Bordetella bronchiseptica +/- canine parainfluenza, two important causes of Canine Cough, but not the only causes.

No vaccine is 100% effective. Vaccines help reduce the risk of illness, but they don’t completely eliminate it. Some vaccines are better than others, and some animals respond better to vaccines than others.

Where can my dog catch Canine Cough?
Your dog can catch Canine Cough anywhere they have exposure to other dogs, no matter how brief. Because viruses can be passed by airborne droplets, dogs can catch Canine Cough without direct contact with another dog.

Is my dog more likely to catch Canine Cough at a pet care facility?
Yes, just like your child is more likely to catch a cold at daycare than in your home, your dog is more likely to catch a virus at a pet care facility. While boarding, your dog will be exposed to many more dogs which increases their chances of catching a virus. Your dog will also experience more stress than when at home. Just like in humans, stress lowers your dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to becoming ill from a virus.

What are the symptoms of Canine Cough?
Symptoms typically show within 3-10 days of exposure. The classic symptom of Canine Cough is a hacking cough, a persistent and forceful cough. Some dogs with Canine Cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

Not all dogs who encounter these diseases show symptoms, but they can still transmit the disease to others.

What is the treatment for Canine Cough?
Just like a virus in humans, there is no cure for Canine Cough. The virus must run its course. Most dogs are able to recover without veterinary intervention. However, they should be seen by a Veterinarian right away. Veterinarians will provide supportive care such as cough suppressants and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

While recovering, it’s necessary to keep dogs away from other dogs for approximately two-three weeks to prevent spreading of disease.