Kennel Cough: The 5 Key Symptoms to Take Note Of

Mar 31, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

Kennel cough can easily give your dog a really ruff time. Besides having a significant effect on his breathing, this disease can also lead to even more serious health problems if not given the right care and attention.

But what’s really tricky about kennel cough is that it can be rather tough to determine. This is because its symptoms are quite identical to other canine respiratory issues like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Looking to take your knowledge on kennel cough symptoms up a notch? Make sure you follow along because I’ll give you the lowdown on the key indicators of kennel cough to keep an eye on in just a bit.

 

Kennel Cough Symptoms to Bear in Mind

Symptom #1: A loud "goose honk" cough.

Perhaps the most remarkable symptom of kennel cough is the sound of the cough itself. Compared to the typical dog cough you usually hear, this one has a distinct forceful resonation that resembles that of a goose honk.

This sound is caused by the sudden gush of air traveling in your canine family member’s trachea to be expelled in an explosive manner through his mouth. Moreover, this “honk” could also become more pronounced if your dog’s airway is really irritated.

Symptom #2: Irregular retching and wheezing

Kennel cough is also characterized by persistent bouts of retching and wheezing, which can frighteningly sound like something is stuck in your pet’s throat. Depending on how irritated your canine family member’s trachea is, these episodes could last anywhere from a few seconds to close to a minute.

Moreover, these retching and wheezing can also be accompanied by drooling, eye discharge, as well as a runny nose. A few vigorous sneezes here and there can also be present in most cases.

Symptom #3: Sudden loss of appetite and lethargy.

Now here’s what separates kennel cough from an ordinary cough. A dog suffering from this respiratory disease usually loses interest in play and other activities all of a sudden. Some pooches may even unexpectedly take to hiding and skulking during this health issue.

Another key factor to take note of when kennel cough gets in the picture is loss of appetite. If you notice that your canine family member is not as enthusiastic as usual when dinner is served—even if you’re dishing out his favorite treats—chances are he could be going through this disease.

Symptom #4. On and off bouts of fever.

Another indicator that your pooch may be suffering from kennel cough is on and off fever. And what’s really strange about the whole thing is it isn’t usually that high temperature-wise compared to when your pet is dealing with other illnesses.

This fever tapers off every now and then, which will give you the notion that it has completely disappeared. However, so long as the kennel cough is still present, this on and off bouts of fever will likely keep on going.

Symptom #5: Increased sensitivity of the trachea.

It’s not uncommon that dogs suffering from kennel cough have a very inflamed trachea, which can affect the larynx as well as the soft palate of the throat sooner or later. This is the reason why a pooch going through this disease will sound he is puffing and panting most of the time.

You will also notice that your canine family member’s tonsils will be rather red in color instead of its usual pink. This swelling contributes to the “goose honk” cough that we’ve touched on earlier since it significantly restricts airflow.

 

A Natural Product to Consider Including in your Home Pet Care Checklist

 

Zumalka KC-Pet
If we’re being honest, kennel cough is a health issue that can just appear out of the blue. And the remarkable drop in temperature this winter season can also be a factor in the development of this disease.

This is why I highly recommend having a reliable natural support against kennel cough for your canine family member such as KC-PET, so he won’t be easily vulnerable to this respiratory problem.

 

Besides helping strengthen your dog’s overall immune system, KC-PET also works by supporting his breathing capacity and keeping his upper respiratory tract health ideal. This product is designed to relieve painful cough, irritation or dryness of the trachea, as well as dry and incessant cough that is worse in the evening, among other respiratory issues.

 

A Final Word

Knowing the symptoms of kennel cough is very important to give your dog the care and attention he needs as soon as they manifest. Having an idea of the things to keep an eye on is the first step in properly dealing with this health problem.

And if you’re looking to find out more about taking care of kennel cough using natural options, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll gladly walk you through the things you should have in your checklist to give your pet the quality of life you’ve always wanted.

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


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