Kennel cough, officially known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a highly contagious upper respiratory illness that affects dogs. This condition spreads rapidly in environments where dogs are housed in close quarters, such as boarding facilities, groomers, and dog parks. Given the harsh, persistent nature of the cough, owners often wonder if a common antibiotic like Amoxicillin can be used to treat the infection.
What Exactly Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is not caused by a single pathogen but is instead a complex of infections involving both bacteria and viruses. The primary bacterial agent is often Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is highly contagious and affects the lining of the respiratory tract. This bacteria frequently acts in combination with one or more viruses, such as Canine Parainfluenza virus (CPIV) or Canine Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2).
The characteristic sign is a forceful, dry, hacking cough that often sounds like the dog has something stuck in its throat. This hacking can sometimes be followed by a retching or gagging motion. In most healthy dogs, the illness is self-limiting, resolving within one to two weeks. The dog usually remains bright and active, maintaining a normal appetite despite the frequent coughing episodes.
The Primary Cause and Amoxicillin’s Limitations
Amoxicillin is a common, broad-spectrum antibiotic designed to inhibit bacterial growth by interfering with cell wall synthesis. Since many cases of kennel cough involve a viral component, Amoxicillin has no direct effect on the underlying cause of the initial infection. Antibiotics, by their nature, are ineffective against viruses like Canine Parainfluenza or Canine Adenovirus.
For an uncomplicated case of kennel cough, this antibiotic is generally considered inappropriate. Unnecessary use exposes the dog’s normal bacterial flora to the drug, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Resistance occurs when bacteria evolve ways to survive the drugs designed to kill them, making future bacterial infections harder to treat.
In veterinary practice, Amoxicillin is often prescribed in combination with clavulanic acid (Amoxicillin-clavulanate or Clavamox). This combination broadens the antibiotic’s spectrum and helps overcome certain forms of bacterial resistance. However, even this combination is typically reserved for more complicated infections, as other antibiotics like doxycycline are frequently preferred for primary Bordetella infections.
When Antibiotics Are Necessary
Antibiotic treatment is typically reserved for cases where a secondary bacterial infection has developed or the primary infection has progressed to a more severe condition, such as pneumonia. The initial viral infection can damage the delicate lining of the respiratory tract, making the lungs more susceptible to invasion by bacteria. This secondary infection is what makes the illness more serious and necessitates the use of a drug like Amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Clinical signs indicating a complication include lethargy, a loss of appetite, fever, or the presence of thick, colored—often yellow or green—nasal or eye discharge. A cough that persists for longer than two weeks or a worsening cough also suggests the need for veterinary re-evaluation and possible antibiotic intervention. A veterinarian must diagnose this progression, often utilizing chest X-rays to check for signs of pneumonia, before any antibiotic is prescribed.
Veterinary Recommended Treatment and Supportive Care
For the majority of uncomplicated kennel cough cases, the primary course of action involves supportive care to manage symptoms and allow the dog’s immune system to clear the infection naturally. Rest is highly recommended, and limiting a dog’s exercise and excitement helps reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits. Reducing irritation to the trachea is also important, which means switching from a neck collar to a harness for walks.
A veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants, such as hydrocodone or butorphanol, which can help the dog rest, especially at night. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to reduce swelling in the airways.
Environmental modifications, such as using a cool-mist humidifier or taking the dog into a steamy bathroom, can help soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus. Finally, to prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading, the infected dog must be isolated from other dogs for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve.