kennel cough

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Humans? Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, can spread from dogs to humans, but this is rare. In humans, symptoms may include a persistent cough, sore throat, and fever.

If your pup has a bad, hacking cough that won’t go away, it could be kennel cough. In extremely rare circumstances, you can develop it, too.

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a group of contagious respiratory diseases that often affect dogs.

While uncommon, kennel cough can be passed from animals to humans.

Read on to learn how kennel cough is transmitted to humans, who’s at risk, and how the disease is treated.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that’s caused by both bacteria and a virus. It affects a dog’s lungs, windpipe, and voice box.

The most common bacteria behind kennel cough is called Bordetella bronchiseptica. In fact, a lot of people refer to kennel cough as bordetella. 

ResearchTrusted Source has shown that this bacteria is closely related to the one that causes whooping cough in humans.

Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of both Bordetella and viruses, such as canine distemper or canine influenza. These viruses weaken the immune system and attack cells in the respiratory tract.

While the disease usually affects dogs, other animalsTrusted Source, such as cats, rabbits, horses, mice, and guinea pigs, can develop it as well.

It’s rare, but humans can also contract kennel cough from their pets. People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have lung cancerTrusted Source or HIVTrusted Source, are more likely to get it.

How do dogs get kennel cough? 

Kennel cough spreads easily among dogs, but the good news is that it’s typically treatable in healthy pups. However, it can pose serious risks for puppies, older dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.

The disease can spread through:

Contaminated surfaces. Water and food bowls are hot spots for bacteria.
Airborne droplets. When a dog barks, the bacteria can become airborne and transfer to others.Direct contact. If dogs touch noses or share toys, the infection can spread.

Kennel cough, as the name suggests, is commonly spread in places like kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities.

This happens because the animals are in close quarters, making it easy for germs to pass from one to another.

Most kennels require dogs to be up to date on their vaccinations, including those that protect against kennel cough, before they can stay there.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough in dogs and humans?

Kennel cough can cause a variety of signs and symptoms.

Kennel cough symptoms in dogs

Dogs may develop the following symptoms:

  • a loud, hacking cough that often sounds like “honking”
  • sneezing
  • runny nose
  • loss of appetite
  • lethargy
  • low fever

It’s important to know that some dogs can be carriers of the disease but not show any symptoms. They can still transmit the infection to other dogs.

Most dogs recover from kennel cough in about 3 to 6 weeks.

Kennel cough symptoms in humans

Humans who contract kennel cough may experienceTrusted Source:

  • persistent cough
  • sore throat
  • difficulty swallowing
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • other respiratory symptoms

How is kennel cough treated in dogs and humans? 

Treatment for kennel cough may depend on the severity of the infection and the person or animal’s overall health, age, and other medical conditions.

Kennel cough treatments in dogs

If your dog has a mild case of kennel cough, it might just clear up on its own after a week or two of some good rest.

Some vets might suggest: – antibiotics – cough medicines – nebulizers or vaporizers There are also vaccines available that can help protect dogs from some of the main culprits behind kennel cough, like distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Kennel cough treatments in humans

Depending on the situation, doctors may recommend the following treatments for humans with kennel cough:

  • antibiotics
  • cough suppressants

Typically, the use of steroids is discouraged because they can weaken the immune system.

What are the complications of kennel cough in a human?

It’s important to remember that most healthy humans aren’t at risk for kennel cough. Research has shown, more often than not, there’s an underlying condition that makes the infection more likely.

In one studyTrusted Source, 7 out of 8 patients with confirmed kennel cough had a significant preexisting medical condition, such as lung disease or autoimmune neutropenia.

Humans who do acquire kennel cough may develop pneumonia or an upper respiratory tract infectionTrusted Source.

Some serious complications of pneumonia may include:

  • Septic shock. When chemicals from the original infection spread to the blood, it can lead to this potentially fatal condition.
  • Lung abscesses. These are collections of pus in the lung’s cavities.
  • Pleural effusion. If pneumonia isn’t treated, fluid can build up in the layers of tissue around the lungs. In some cases, it can become infected.
  • Respiratory failure. Sometimes, severe cases of pneumonia can cause respiratory failure.

See your doctor if you suspect you have kennel cough or another type of respiratory illness.

Conclusion

While you can catch kennel cough from your dog or other pets, it’s actually pretty rare. Those with existing health issues are the ones who need to be most cautious.

To keep your furry friend safe from kennel cough, make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations. If you or your dog do end up with the infection, don’t worry—it’s usually quite treatable.


By remedyu