french bulldog seizures

How Do I Know If My French Bulldog Has a Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough in French bulldogs is a respiratory and highly contagious disease that is caused by different viruses and pathogens. It’s also called tracheobronchitis and it’s followed by hacking cough sound that affects the dog’s windpipe, voice box, and respiratory tract.

kennel cough in french bulldogs

What can cause kennel cough in French bulldogs?

Kennel cough in French bulldogs is often caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs with kennel cough are often also infected with parainfluenza virus, canine reovirus, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus. It’s because these bacteria attack pooches with weak immunities.

Since the dog’s respiratory tract is lined with mucus, it’s susceptible to trap bacteria that end up with inflammation of the windpipe and voice box.

This type of disease more often occurs in poorly ventilated kennels and shelters. Besides, Frenchies who live or spend time in cold temperatures will also be on a higher tendency to suffer from this condition. Since Frenchies have brachycephalic skulls, they can suffer from breathing issues. To protect your pooch from respiratory issues, it’s important to provide them with good living conditions. French bulldogs who spend time in fuggy places and are exposed to cigarette smoke will also be on a higher tendency to develop kennel cough. The last trigger can be travel-induced stress.

kennel cough in french bulldogs

What are the symptoms of kennel cough in French bulldogs?

A strong, forceful, and persistent cough is the main symptom of this disease. We can describe it as the sound of a goose honk or like something is stuck in a dog’s throat. Besides coughing, a dog can also sneeze, have a runny nose and eye discharge. Dog owners often mix this type of coughing with reverse sneezing which is very common in French bulldogs. Reverse sneezing commonly occurs in brachycephalic dog breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Frenchies.

Since kennel cough is highly contagious, it quickly becomes transmitted from one to other dogs from a kennel. A dog can also catch it by playing with contaminated toys, eating or drinking from the same bowl, and sleeping on a contaminated spot as well.

kennel cough in french bulldogs

If this disease is not treated on time, a dog can even develop severe pneumonia that can end fatally. Therefore, if you notice that your puppy produces any strange sound that resembles choking, make sure to schedule a vet visit. Your dog will get antibiotic therapy and supplements to boost his immunity.

Most pooches completely recover within 3 weeks, however, older dogs may need up to 6 weeks or more.

Who is on a higher tendency to develop a kennel cough?

As we already mentioned, it most often occurs in puppies who are still in kennels. However, dogs with diabetes, cancer, and cardiac failure can also get it due to their weak immunity. Pregnant French bulldogs will also be on a higher tendency to catch this disease, so their owners need to include different supplements in their diet.

How to prevent kennel cough in French bulldogs?

Buy a French bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder

Frenchie puppies shouldn’t be bought at low prices because it is often a sign that they work as puppy mills. Our recommendation is to always ask a breeder to show you the living conditions in his kennel. If the kennel is dirty, puppies don’t get proper ventilation, and the crate seems crowded, then you should avoid buying a puppy from that breeder.

https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/french-bulldog-reverse-sneezing/

Vaccinate your dog

Make sure your Frenchie regularly gets vaccine shots so he can stay protected from different diseases. Besides, don’t forget to ask the breeder to give you the vaccination card of the puppy you want to buy.

Don’t share water and feeding bowls of your Frenchie

Every dog should have his own water and feeding bowl. To prevent kennel cough in French bulldogs and many other diseases, it’s important to daily clean your dog’s bowls with water and detergent.

Don’t share your French bulldog’s toys with unknown dogs

Even though we can find different bacteria in our environment and we can’t completely protect our dogs from infections and viruses, it is important to think about prevention. Therefore, do not allow your pet to share toys with unknown dogs from parks because this disease can be transmitted through contaminated items.

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