Initially, the dog will sneeze out some mucus and this will start to be streaked with blood as time goes on (caused by damage to the fragile respiratory lining). ![]() However, before that happens there will be a brief “mucus stage” where the virus is actually replicating in the nasal and sinus passages of the respiratory tract. The incubation period for this type of coronavirus is only 24-72 hours prior to symptoms emerging most dogs who are exposed will become ill within 3 days of exposure. It can be spread through direct contact between dogs, or indirectly through contaminated surfaces like food bowls and water dishes.Ī new type of virus has recently emerged (H3N2) which appears to make some breeds of dog, like the English springer spaniel, more susceptible to severe complications. Kennel cough is due to an infectious agent that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract lining. This is because dogs who are working hard to breathe against airway resistance will be forced to use the least efficient part of their respiratory tract, and that means it’s likely they’ll make more mouth movements when trying to get enough oxygen. ![]() It can be difficult to tell if a dog with kennel cough is breathing through their mouth or nose. The coughing is often worse at night or when the dog has been exercising strenuously physical activity compromises the ability of the respiratory system to work efficiently and traps more air in the lungs. ![]() This can be one of the more disturbing symptoms of kennel cough, because it’s accompanied by a sick smell and the dog’s respiratory distress. It is possible for dogs who have had kennel cough to be reinfected with an unrelated respiratory illness, but this is rare in most cases.Īs the infection progresses, mucus begins to appear in the dog’s airway and they will begin coughing it up. Young puppies are more susceptible because their immune systems have not fully developed to fight off infectious disease, while older dogs may have a deeper reservoir of immunity built up over the years to draw upon. Kennel cough can affect dogs of all ages.
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