Kennel cough or infectious canine tracheobronchitis is an infection of the trachea, or windpipe that causes almost continual coughing. Most times this virus is spread indoors and usually will be found at animal shelters, pet shops, and boarding kennels.
If you have just adopted a new dog from a local shelter or pet store make sure you pay attention to any coughing the dog has exhibited. They can pick up kennel cough very easily through air borne germs and although it’s not a fatal disease in itself, it can turn into a serious life threatening condition. 
It’s possible that kennel cough could be a result of underlying health concerns such as heart disease, periodontal disease, heartworm, parasites, throat growths, pneumonia, irritations, and allergies.
You can think of kennel cough as being similar to a mild influenza case in humans. Kennel cough is caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria. It affects the upper respiratory tract of dogs and is easily transmitted to other dogs.
Kennel cough is comparable to bronchitis. It’s similar to a human chest cold. If it’s only kennel cough, the condition can possibly clear up on its own but it will take a couple of weeks and your dog will continue coughing for the duration.
Dogs with kennel cough will have a persistent and relentless hacking cough. It is likely to keep your dog from getting any rest or anyone else living in the house for a few nights. Their appetite and physical activity will usually stay at normal levels. Some dogs may develop a fever but this is unlikely.
How Dogs Get Kennel Cough
Kennel cough gets spread through the air, from dog to dog, or even through objects that have been contaminated with the germ. Enclosed areas with poor air circulation are conditions that are optimum for spreading the disease. That’s why kennels are notorious for cases of kennel cough although it can be picked up anywhere. Your dog can pick up the disease by greeting a fellow dog at the dog park.
If your pet happens to come down with a case of kennel cough you should be careful when there’s any chance your dog will be exposed to other animals. It’s best if you keep your dog isolated until the cough has completely cleared up.
There are both natural remedies and drug treatments for relieving kennel cough. If at all possible take steps to avoid the disease. Prevention is better than seeking treatment.
Common Treatments for Kennel Cough in Dogs:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help greatly in relieving nasal congestion and lung problems. It can also help to fight infections. Vitamin C works with dogs as well as it does for humans. Vitamin C can fight the infection that is causes kennel cough in dogs. You can give your dog the same Vitamin C supplements you take. You can speak to your vet about this treatment and the amount that would be best for your dog. Just be cautious as it can cause IBS – or irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Inoculations
If you dog interacts with other dogs on a regular basis, or you plan on boarding your dog, you should get them vaccinated against two of the main causes of kennel cough, Bordetella and parainfluenze. This will help give your dog a method to prevent getting the condition.
3. Antibiotics.
Your veterinarian can treat kennel cough with antibiotics. Be sure to follow the instructions when administering the treatment.
You should see some improvement in your dog within one week of beginning any treatment. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly or struggling for breath, stops eating or seems lethargic, you should take that dog to the veterinarian immediately. This may be sign that the cough has developed into a more dangerous health condition.
The Bordetella vaccine comes highly recommended if your dog will be exposed to other animals. The vaccine is available in injectable form and as an intranasal vaccine.
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