Common Canine Cough Myths

Image Credit: Laura Paraschivescu, Unsplash 2022

It’s a common condition affecting dogs of all shapes and sizes, but one with many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. We’re talking about Canine Cough – also referred to as the ‘Dog Flu’ or ‘Kennel Cough’. That’s why this month, with flu season in full swing, the Pets Country Club team are keen to set the record straight following official advice from the Pet Industry Association Australia (PIAA).

The cause: A common respiratory virus

Canine Cough is a common and contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs, or to use the scientific term, a form of tracheobronchitis (trachea = windpipe, bronchi = small airway branches into the lungs). Whilst the causes, transmission and risk factors for catching Canine Cough are similar to the common human cold/flu, the main difference is this condition presents itself as more of a deep throated cough and less of a ‘head cold’. For this reason many owners mistakenly think their pet has something stuck in their throat. If your pet does catch canine cough, they’ll usually display symptoms within 3-7 days.

Although annoying and uncomfortable for furry friend and owner alike, rest assured Canine Cough rarely develops into something more serious.

Risk factors: Anywhere dogs gather in large numbers

It’s important to note despite the frequently misused term “Kennel Cough”, this condition can develop anywhere dogs congregate in social settings – from the local park, to play dates with their canine pals and pet boarding facilities. P.S. Given the high population of dogs throughout Greater Geelong, Canine Cough is frequently reported in the region.

Symptoms 

Just like the common human cold, Canine Cough is caused by an airborne virus and results in similar symptoms - the most obvious being a repetitive dry, hacking cough that develops 3-7 days after exposure to the virus. If your dog displays any of the below symptoms, please seek advice from a qualified vet as it can lower their defence to secondary infections. RSPCA, AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) directory and Vet Board Victoria are excellent resources on that note.

• Dry, 'hacking' cough

• Gagging or vomiting after ingesting food

• Sneezing

• Eye or nasal discharge

• Fever or lethargy

Treatment 

As with the human cold, Canine Cough can’t be “cured” but must run its course until the infection leaves your dog’s body. This usually happens within 7 days. Given how this condition makes your pet more susceptible to secondary ailments, your vet will typically prescribe antibiotics to protect their immune system, alongside cough medication and the age-old advice of rest and fluids. Thankfully, vaccines (Parainfluenza and Adenovirus type 2) are available to protect against this and related illnesses, generally administered as part of an annual checkup. Just remember whilst these vaccines cannot stop Canine Cough completely, they ensure dogs have vital antibodies to help fight off the virus.

Debunking common Canine Cough myths

• Myth #1 - Since my dog had the Bordetella vaccine, he cannot get Canine Cough

  
  

Fact: The Bordetella vaccine protects against one bacteria: Bordetella Bronchiseptica. However, several other strains can also cause Canine Cough. Whilst the Bordetella vaccine may not prevent your dog from getting the disease, it can prevent severe cases. The best protection your dog has from Canine Cough is actually an acquired immunity from having had the disease and successfully fighting it off. Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone than others.

• Myth #2 - If my dog got canine cough after boarding, it must mean the kennel is dirty,

  or did something wrong

  
  

Fact: The spread of Canine Cough does not directly reflect a kennel's cleanliness. As an airborne disease like our common cold, it can spread up to 12 feet in every direction from a single cough. Even kennels that clean and disinfect regularly cannot prevent dogs from breathing air. That said, viruses that cause this condition can lurk on doors, walls and water bowls etc. They are most commonly transmitted via nose-to-nose contact, which happens a lot when there are many dogs in one place. So routine cleaning and disinfecting will help stem its spread but won't stop it completely.

• Myth #3 - All dogs with Canine Cough must be treated with antibiotics

  
  

Fact: In most cases Canine Cough goes away on its own. Like our common cold, most people are uncomfortable, manage the symptoms and feel better in a week. However, some people have a cold that turns into something more complicated. While most dogs cough for a week and get better, some can't quite seem to get over it. Especially if your dog has a fever or other complicating factors, antibiotics might be needed. This is a decision for your vet to make on a case-by-case basis.

Keen to find out more about the Pets Country Club at Elcho Park Lara? Contact our friendly team of professional animal lovers on (03) 5282 1286.