Parents often worry about their baby’s health, especially with pets in the household. When a pet falls ill, questions arise about potential transmission to the youngest family members. Kennel cough, a common respiratory illness in dogs, frequently prompts such concerns. This article explores whether human babies can contract kennel cough from a dog.
Understanding Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a common and highly contagious airway infection affecting dogs. It is caused by various bacteria and viruses, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most common bacterium and canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) a common viral contributor. Other agents, such as canine adenovirus type 2, can also play a role.
Dogs typically contract kennel cough through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or direct contact with infected dogs. The infection can also spread via contaminated surfaces like shared water bowls or toys. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 14 days, commonly including a harsh, dry, hacking cough, often described as a “honking” sound. This may be followed by gagging or retching. Other signs may include a runny nose, eye discharge, sneezing, lethargy, or a low fever.
Is Kennel Cough Transmissible to Humans?
Kennel cough is not transmissible from dogs to humans, including babies. The pathogens, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus, are species-specific, adapted to infect dogs. While Bordetella bronchiseptica is a zoonotic organism, meaning it can potentially transmit from animals to humans, such cases are extremely rare.
Reports of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in humans are uncommon, primarily occurring in severely immunocompromised individuals. These rare instances involve individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis, HIV, or undergoing chemotherapy. For healthy babies, the risk of contracting kennel cough from a dog is negligible. Canine parainfluenza virus, another common cause of kennel cough, is not known to infect humans.
Distinguishing Symptoms: Dogs vs. Babies
Kennel cough in dogs is characterized by a distinctive, forceful, dry hacking cough, often described as a “honking” sound, which can worsen with excitement. In contrast, coughs and other respiratory symptoms in babies are due to common human viruses. These include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold viruses, or influenza. Symptoms in babies include a wet or dry cough, sniffles, nasal discharge, wheezing, or fever. Parents should seek medical attention for their baby if they experience difficulty breathing, a persistent high fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or if symptoms do not improve after several days.
General Pet Hygiene Around Babies
Maintaining good hygiene practices in a household with both pets and babies promotes a healthy environment. Regular handwashing is an effective measure for anyone handling a pet, especially before interacting with a baby or preparing their food. Keeping pet living areas clean contributes to household sanitation.
Prevent pets from licking a baby’s face or mouth, as animal mouths can carry bacteria that pose a risk to a baby’s developing immune system. All interactions between pets and babies should be supervised to ensure safety for both. Ensuring pets are up to date on vaccinations supports their health and, indirectly, the health of the human family by preventing the spread of certain animal diseases.