Happy Tears as Brother Dogs Separated at the Shelter Reunite After a Month Apart!

Two brother dogs have won hearts on TikTok with their emotional reunion after spending a month apart at a shelter. Mathias and Souffle, both 4-year-old mixed-breeds, arrived together at the Kansas Humane Society but were soon separated when Mathias fell ill.

Happy Tears as Brother Dogs Separated at the Shelter Reunite After a Month Apart!
Credit: https://www.tiktok.com/@kshumanesociety/video/7426484362067119390

After coming to the shelter, Mathias developed symptoms of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough. Since the infection is highly contagious to other dogs, he was transferred to the quarantine loft while Souffle stayed on the adoption floor. 

Mathias And Souffle Were Separated For A Month

During Mathias’ quarantine, the shelter staff discovered Souffle to be an exceptionally calm dog, his sad eyes telling a story of their own. Though it took a little while for him to come out of his shell, Souffle quickly became a favorite at the shelter.

About a month later, Mathias finally recovered completely from kennel cough and was transferred back to the adoption floor. One day when Souffle was going on a walk with a staff member, he saw his brother Mathias in his suite through the glass and became extremely excited. It was clear to the staff that the brothers have a special bond and so, they deserved to spend some time with each other. 

Thus, after consulting with the Behavior Department, the shelter arranged a playdate for the brothers. Their reunion after a month apart was nothing short of heartwarming. Souffle, typically shy and reserved, transformed into a playful, joyful dog, overjoyed to have his brother by his side once again.

@kshumanesociety Meet brothers Mathias and Souffle 💙🧡 Shortly after they arrived at our shelter, Mathias developed CIRDC, a doggy cold which is contagious to other pups 🤧 While Mathias recovered from his cold in our quarantine loft, his brother stayed on the adoption floor. In his suite, Souffle is a calm boy with sad eyes that tug on our employees’ heartstrings. As he’s opened up more during his stay, Souffle’s become a personal favorite for many of our staff! 😊 This weekend, Mathias was finally cleared of any CIRDC symptoms and was able to move up to the adoption floor! 🎉 Yesterday, I was walking Souffle back to his suite when he saw his brother through the glass and got so excited 🥺 We knew we needed to arrange a playdate ASAP. We spoke with our Behavior Department and this morning, Mathias and Souffle reunited after about a month apart!  BOTH Souffle and Mathias still need homes! We don’t know their history, but they are so sweet and would likely do well in a home with other dogs 🐾 While they’re not bonded, Souffle and Mathias would also love to go home together. Interested in this band of brothers? 👀 Come and meet them today! #adoptdontshop #fyp #dogreunion #dogsiblings #dogbrothers #brothers #huskylife #animalshelter ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

Mathias Looking For A Forever Home

In a recent and joyful development, one of the brothers has found his forever home. According to Jordan Bani-Younes, the shelter’s Director of Communications, “Souffle has been adopted.” 

While this is undoubtedly great news, Mathias is still waiting to get adopted. Like his brother, Mathias is also an incredibly sweet dog. He loves humans and once you meet him, you will surely fall in love with his friendly and goofy nature. If you have a dog at home, you will be glad to know that he is dog-friendly as well. 

You’re more than welcome to visit Mathias at the shelter and see if he’s the perfect canine companion you’ve been searching for. He’s ready to fill your home with love and joy! 

What is Kennel Cough or CIRDC in Dogs?

A highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs, Kennel Cough is also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or infectious tracheobronchitis. 

A veterinarian, Dr. Caroline C. Tonozzi, states, “Kennel cough results from inflammation of the trachea. It is a mild, self-limiting disease but may progress to bronchopneumonia in puppies or to chronic bronchitis in debilitated adult or aged dogs.” Kennel cough spreads rapidly among vulnerable dogs in close-quarters settings, such as veterinary hospitals, doggie daycare centers, boarding facilities, and kennels. 

Many people wonder what kennel cough sounds like? As per veterinarian Dr. Sarah Bledsoe, “Kennel cough in dogs presents as a dry, hacking cough. It may sound like your pup has something stuck in their throat. Some pet parents will describe the cough like a honk, while others say it’s more of a sharp, puffing cough that won’t stop.”

Kennel Cough Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of kennel cough emerge within 2-14 days following exposure to the virus. Here are some of the CIRDC symptoms commonly found in affected dogs:

  • A constant, dry, raspy cough
  • Nocturnal coughing, disrupting sleep
  • Sneezing and nasal discharge
  • Clear eye discharge
  • Retching with white foam production
  • Tracheal sensitivity, triggering coughing with gentle pressure

While kennel cough often resolves without treatment, puppies and senior dogs are more vulnerable to severe symptoms. It’s essential to understand that kennel cough results from a combination of viruses and bacteria, with varying severity.

Severe Symptoms of Kennel Cough

  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever

If your dog exhibits severe symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment. In cases of labored breathing or rapid decline, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 

Kennel Cough Diagnosis

Diagnosing kennel cough in infected dogs relies on assessing the dog’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment. Generally, identifying the specific underlying bacteria or virus isn’t necessary. However, diagnostic testing is advisable for:

  • Dogs suspected of having pneumonia
  • Dogs not responding to supportive care
  • Dogs showing signs of systemic disease
  • Situations where an outbreak is affecting multiple dogs

Potential diagnostic tests of kennel cough are as follows:

  • Blood work
  • Chest X-rays
  • PCR testing to detect the genetic material of a virus or bacteria responsible for the infection
Happy Tears as Brother Dogs Separated at the Shelter Reunite After a Month Apart!
Source: Photo by vadim kaipov on Unsplash

Kennel Cough Treatment

CIRDC treatment in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and the individual dog’s needs. A veterinarian may recommend the following:

For mild kennel cough, treatment focuses on supportive care:

  • Rest to reduce stress and fatigue
  • Proper nutrition to boost the immune system
  • Hydration to thin out mucus
  • Airway moisture to soothe irritation

Dr. Bledsoe suggests, “Keeping them [dog with kennel cough] in the bathroom while you shower is a good way to help them keep their airways moist. Adding a humidifier to the room they sleep in may also be beneficial.”

Veterinarians may prescribe some kennel cough medicines for severe cases:

  • Cough suppressants to reduce cough frequency and alleviate discomfort
  • Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present)
  • Antiviral medication (if viral infection is present)
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (to reduce inflammation)

With proper care and kennel cough medicine, infected dogs typically recover from mild kennel cough within 1-2 weeks. In some cases, dogs may recover without treatment, but veterinary guidance is recommended to ensure optimal health. 

If kennel cough progresses to pneumonia, treatment becomes more comprehensive and intensive:

  • Hospitalization: Close monitoring and care in a veterinary hospital to ensure timely intervention.
  • Intravenous Fluids: To maintain hydration, support the immune system, and aid in recovery.
  • Antibiotics: Targeted medication to combat bacterial infections and prevent further complications.
  • Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen to support breathing and alleviate respiratory distress.

Kennel Cough Prevention

To prevent kennel cough in your dog, consider administering the kennel cough vaccine, which targets Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the primary causes of the condition. This preventative measure can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. 

Happy Tears as Brother Dogs Separated at the Shelter Reunite After a Month Apart!
Source: freepik

“When looking for grooming facilities, daycare facilities, or general doggy play date partners, ask about their vaccine requirements to ensure the dogs your pup will be in contact with are also vaccinated,” asserts Dr. Bledsoe. 

A Reddit user, u/Mysterious_Golden20, claims, “Even if dogs are vaccinated they can still contract kennel cough; our fully vaccinated dog’s experience catching it twice on separate occasions cemented our decision to move to private dogsitters when we vacation. It’s terrible!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does kennel cough last?

In most cases, dogs recover from kennel cough in 1-2 weeks. But, sometimes “the symptoms can last up to a month,” as per Dr. Hannah Godfrey

Can cats get kennel cough?

According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, apart from dogs, cats can also contract kennel cough or CIRCD. The coughing may not be as intense in cats as it is in dogs, but the other signs of kennel cough can be similar. 

Is kennel cough contagious to humans?

Dr. Kevin Martinez at Healthline believes that Kennel cough can rarely be transmitted from infected dogs to humans. If contracted, humans may experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, sore throat, and fever, although this is extremely uncommon.

Is kennel cough deadly?

Kennel cough can be a huge discomfort for pets and their owners, but it is not a deadly disease in most cases. However, puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with compromised immunity can be prone to kennel cough becoming worse and progressing to develop pneumonia.