Dogs are susceptible to canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as a kennel cough for the way it spreads. Boarding facilities, winter temps, stress, and inhaling smoke all increase the risk of developing kennel cough. A bacteria and a virus are responsible for the condition, often both at once. Prevent a kennel cough by quarantining potentially infected pets until you can get vet care. A kennel cough vaccine is also available; if your pet is very young or old, or has pre-existing conditions, consider having friends or family pet sit.
A goose-like, honking cough is the primary sign of a kennel cough. This noise differs from the “reverse sneeze” common in some breeds, like Beagles. Sneezing, runny nose and eye discharge are secondary symptoms.
Treat minor kennel cough with a humidifier or at-home steam treatment. If it persists after three weeks, visit your vet for some antibiotics and to confirm the diagnosis of a kennel cough. Pneumonia, tuberculosis and other serious respiratory conditions have similar symptoms.
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