Why Would a Dog Be Sneezing After Boarding?
If it's only been a few days since you picked your dog up from a boarding facility and he is sneezing, most likely he caught an upper respiratory tract infection from another dog at the kennel. These infections are commonly known as kennel cough, regardless of what the actual infectious agent is that is causing the symptoms. Some of the conditions that make up those broadly known as kennel cough can cause complications in certain cases, leading to more serious illness such as pneumonia.
Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza is one of the conditions vaccinated against in the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvo virus) injection. It is a virus that causes a mild respiratory tract infection in dogs and is one of several infectious agents referred to as kennel cough. It is highly contagious among dogs, causing symptoms that include sneezing and coughing.
Adenovirus Type 2
Canine adenovirus type 2 is another infectious agent that often causes kennel cough. It is commonly vaccinated against. However, vaccination doesn't prevent infection; it limits its severity if a dog is infected. Common symptoms are a hacking cough, nasal discharge, rhinitis and, occasionally, conjunctivitis.
Bordetella
Bordetella is the best-known infectious agent leading to kennel cough. The primary symptom is a dry cough, and the condition is similar to a chest cold in humans. The dog usually is active and shows no loss in appetite. There is no fever, just a lot of coughing and sneezing. Bordetella vaccination provides protection for 10 to 12 months and may not stop infection.
Streptococcus
Streptococcus infection causes symptoms including pain, fever, lethargy, coughing and tonsillitis. It is a bit more serious than some of the others, and veterinary care may be required in puppies and older dogs. The illness can lead to pneumonia.
Pneumonia
If your dog's illness is severe, or if the kennel cough advances to pneumonia, this means your pet has an infection or inflammation in his lungs. Often, if a dog has pneumonia, he also is suffering from bronchitis. Pneumonia includes symptoms seen with various kennel-cough illnesses, but usually also includes fever, listlessness and appetite loss.
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