A distemper cough in dogs typically sounds like a persistent, harsh, rattling, or wet cough, often accompanied by wheezing, fever, and nasal/ocular discharge. It is often part of a deeper respiratory infection (pneumonia) rather than just an upper airway irritation, distinguishing it from the dry, honking sound of kennel cough.

How to tell distemper from kennel cough?

It's important to differentiate kennel cough from canine distemper, a more serious illness with similar symptoms like coughing and fever. Distemper also causes signs like eye and nose discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How do I know if my dog has a canine cough?

The main symptom is a non-productive persistent dry cough that can sound somewhat like a goose honk or as if your pup has something stuck in their throat. Other signs of kennel cough in dogs can include runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, decreased appetite and mild fever.

Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat but not kennel cough?

Your dog's cough, feeling like something's stuck but not kennel cough, often points to Tracheal Collapse, common in small breeds, or Heart Disease, causing fluid buildup; other culprits include Foreign Objects, lungworm, allergies, or other respiratory infections like canine influenza, requiring prompt vet attention for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the first signs of canine flu?

What are the signs of canine influenza?

• Persistent cough.
• Thick nasal discharge.
• Fever (often 104-105oF)
• Lethargy.
• Runny eyes.
• Reduced appetite.

How to Diagnose KENNEL COUGH at HOME

How do you rule out kennel cough?

Swabs can be taken to determine the exact virus or bacteria causing kennel cough – although this isn't always useful for treatment. If there are suspected complications, radiographs can be used to assess a dog's condition. If your dog is bright, perky, eating well and playful, you may not need to visit the vet.

What can mimic distemper in dogs?

Kennel cough can mimic the respiratory symptoms of canine distemper. Vomiting and diarrhea should be differentiated from canine parvovirus, corona virus infections, bacterial and internal parasite infections, etc.

How to rule out distemper in dogs?

How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated? Veterinarians typically diagnose canine distemper through a combination of clinical signs and laboratory testing. There is no cure, and no antiviral drugs have been approved to combat the infection.

Does distemper come on suddenly?

Distemper symptoms usually come on quickly, first affecting your dog's tonsils and lymph nodes. Soon after, it will attack the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and nervous systems.

Is kennel cough worse at night?

Usually the coughing is worse at night and in the morning and better during the day when the dog is moving around. Dogs with kennel cough are usually eating, drinking and acting fairly normal other than the coughing.

How quickly do dogs show signs of distemper?

Signs of canine distemper may show 10-14 days after infection and include eye and nasal discharge, fever, coughing, lethargy (e.g., low energy or unwillingness to move), reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and thickened skin on the nose and footpads (hyperkeratosis).

Will a dog with distemper eat?

When a dog is coming down with distemper, the first signs that an owner typically notices include drainage from the nose and eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Most dogs will also have a fever, be somewhat lethargic, and will not be eating well, if they are eating at all.

What is similar to kennel cough in dogs?

Distemper. Canine distemper is caused by a virus that causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system problems. Similar to kennel cough, distemper can be passed by coughing and sneezing.

What are the symptoms of the new dog virus going around 2025?

Symptoms of Dog Flu

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Sneezing.
• Lethargy.
• Green or yellow discharge around the nose and eyes.
• Laboured breathing.
• Decreased appetite.

How do you know if your dog has a upper respiratory infection?

The signs of URI in dogs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite. Not all dogs will show signs of illness.

Why does my dog sound like he has phlegm in his throat?

Wet or Productive Coughs

If your dog's cough sounds moist or ends with swallowing, it could suggest a buildup of fluid or mucus in the airways. This may point to respiratory infections or other issues involving the lungs or heart.

What will a vet do for a dog's cough?

Cough Suppressants: Medications like dextromethorphan or hydrocodone may be prescribed to reduce coughing and allow the dog to rest. Avoid using any human medications or cough syrups, as they can be harmful to dogs.

What dog breeds are prone to coughing?

Overview. Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease of the trachea (windpipe) that causes chronic coughing. This is common in toy and small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles that are middle-aged or older.

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