No, kennel cough is not contagious to humans. It primarily affects dogs.
Kennel cough is famous for its persistent hacking cough that can last for weeks. The main culprit, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a big problem for both pets and their owners, it spreads fast and the symptoms can be severe.
It may surprise you to learn that our pets aren’t the only ones who can get it there’s a small chance it can spread to us too. Although it’s a doggy problem, human cases of kennel cough are rarely reported. Most cases are in dogs, with occasional cases in other pets like cats or rabbits.
Here I’ll share the symptoms, prevention for anyone who might be affected.
Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Humans?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs, caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. It spreads like crazy among dogs, especially in crowded places where they are in close contact.
Even though kennel cough is a doggy problem, it can affect other animals and in rare cases humans. The chance of humans getting kennel cough is low but not impossible.
This rare transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected dog or by inhaling the aerosolized particles.Now that you know how it affects both animals and humans, let’s take action to stop its spread and keep our fur babies healthy.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a type of canine infectious respiratory disease. It’s highly contagious among dogs and is like the common cold in humans but can be worse depending on the dog’s health and age.
The disease is famous for its loud hacking cough, often described as sounding like a goose honk hence the term “kennel cough sound.”
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the main culprit but viruses like canine parainfluenza virus can also be involved. This combination of bacteria and viruses makes kennel cough a big problem in dog communities, spreads fast through dog-to-dog contact and contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms in dogs are a persistent cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy and loss of appetite. The cough is loud and distressing, often mistaken as something stuck in the dog’s throat.
Read More: Is an Upper Respiratory Infection Contagious?
Can Humans Get Kennel Cough?
While kennel cough is a doggy problem, humans can get it too, but rarely. The risk is higher for those who are in close contact with infected dogs. Transmission occurs through aerosolized particles or saliva from an infected dog. Pet owners and those who spend a lot of time around dogs should be aware of this risk.
In rare cases where humans get kennel cough, symptoms may include a persistent cough, sore throat and respiratory issues. These symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses so it’s easy to mistake kennel cough as a common cold or flu.
Although human cases of kennel cough are rare, it’s still important to practice good hygiene and prevention around infected dogs.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Humans
When humans get kennel cough, the symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses. Common signs are a persistent cough, sore throat and fever. The cough of kennel cough in humans is often described as whooping cough severe and non-stop.
Here are the symptoms you might experience:
- Persistent hacking cough
- Sore, inflamed throat
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
Symptoms can be mild to severe depending on your health and immune system. While they may be like a cold, it’s better to monitor and seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.
Who Is at Risk?
Some people are more prone to get kennel cough from pets especially those with weakened immune systems. Senior citizens fall into this category because of age-related immune decline and underlying health conditions. Those with respiratory or autoimmune diseases are also at higher risk.
Children with underlying health issues may be vulnerable too. Those in these high-risk groups should be cautious around pets especially if there’s an infected dog in the household or community.
How Does Kennel Cough Spread?
Kennel cough spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact, infected secretions and contaminated surfaces. Dogs in close quarters like kennels, dog parks and daycare facilities are at higher risk since transmission is easy in these areas.
Even without direct contact, kennel cough can spread through contaminated items. For example, a dog toy, food bowl or even a leash touched by an infected dog can carry the bacteria or virus.
Kennel cough transmission methods:
- Direct contact between dogs
- Contaminated surfaces and items
- Aerosolized particles from coughing dogs
Brief contact with these contaminated items can transmit the disease so good hygiene is key. Disinfect surfaces and items that have come into contact with infected dogs to prevent kennel cough from spreading.
Preventing Kennel Cough Transmission to Humans
Those with compromised immune systems should avoid pets, practice good hygiene and don’t sleep in the same room as infected dogs. Personal protective equipment like gloves and masks is also recommended when handling contaminated items.
Here are some precautions to take:
- Isolate infected dogs for at least 14 days after symptoms disappear.
- Practice good hygiene, wash hands thoroughly after handling pets.
- Use personal protective equipment when needed.
- Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations.
These will reduce the risk of transmission and keep humans and pets healthy.
Treatment Options for Humans
If you think you got kennel cough, see a doctor. Treatment is antibiotics and cough medicine. In severe cases, doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics for severe cases
- Cough suppressants to relieve symptoms
- Cough medicine for extra relief
- Avoid steroids as they can suppress the immune system
- Consult you doctor first
In severe cases anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
Vaccination for Dogs
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect dogs from kennel cough. The Bordetella vaccine is essential for puppies and adult dogs to reduce the risk of getting the disease.
Puppies need 2 rounds of vaccine boosters to be fully protected while adult dogs need boosters every 6 to 12 months depending on their exposure risk.
Pet owners must follow the vaccination schedule. Key points are:
- Puppies need 2 rounds of Bordetella vaccine boosters.
- Adult dogs need boosters every 6 to 12 months.
- Even dogs with low exposure risk should get annual boosters to maintain vaccination status.
Regular health checks and training staff to recognize kennel cough symptoms will add to prevention in dog parks and daycare facilities.
Caring for Infected Dogs
Caring for a dog with kennel cough involves several steps. First isolate the infected dog from other pets to prevent the disease from spreading. For mild cases home care is to keep the dog hydrated, make sure the dog gets plenty of rest and use humidifiers to ease breathing.
Pet owners should also disinfect surfaces and items the infected dog has touched like food bowls, toys and bedding. Good hygiene is key and see a vet if symptoms persist or worsen is the key to managing the disease.
Bottom Line
With all of this in mind, kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs but can be transmitted to humans.
Knowing the symptoms, transmission methods and precautions is important for pet owners and those around dogs. Although the risk to humans is low, good hygiene and vaccination of pets will reduce the risk of transmission.
