Kennel Cough in Dogs

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious respiratory disease, an infection of the windpipe and airways. One germ or several together can cause it. Common causes include Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium, canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2. Canine distemper virus can cause similar early signs and is far more serious.

Kennel cough spreads easily through the air when dogs cough or bark, and through shared bowls, toys and close contact. Dogs that meet many other dogs, in boarding kennels, shelters, parks, training classes or grooming centres, are most at risk. Most dogs have a mild illness, but puppies, older dogs, flat-faced breeds and dogs with weak immunity can develop pneumonia.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• A harsh, honking cough
• Gagging or retching after coughing
• Coughing more after exercise or when pulling on a collar
• Sneezing, or a runny nose or eyes
• Mild fever

Many dogs stay bright and keep eating. Poor appetite, low energy or fast breathing are warning signs of a more serious infection.

Which lab tests help

Mild cases are often diagnosed from the signs and history alone. Testing helps when a dog is very ill, the cough lasts, several dogs are sick, or the cause matters for a kennel or shelter.

The Canine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel (Kennel Cough) uses a swab from the nose or throat to look for the genetic material of several germs at once. It typically covers Bordetella, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus-2, distemper virus and Mycoplasma; the exact list is confirmed when you book. Your vet may instead choose single tests such as the Bordetella bronchiseptica RT-PCR or the Canine Adenovirus (CAV-1 / CAV-2) RT-PCR. Swabs taken early in the illness usually give the most useful results. A recent kennel cough vaccine given in the nose can affect PCR results, so tell your vet about recent vaccines.

If bacteria are suspected, a Nasal Swab Culture & Sensitivity can grow them and show which antibiotics may work, so your vet can decide what to use. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) helps in a dog with fever or poor appetite. For a young or unvaccinated dog, your vet may also test for distemper with the Canine Distemper Virus (Rapid Test).

A registered veterinarian reads every result alongside the dog's signs, history and vaccine record.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your dog's cough lasts more than a few days or gets worse. Fast or difficult breathing, blue or pale gums, refusing food or deep tiredness need a vet the same day, especially in puppies and older dogs. Keep a coughing dog away from other dogs, and ask your vet about vaccination.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. Kennels and dog owners in other districts can send swabs through their local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 first. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.