Treatment FAQ

how long is kennel cough treatment

by Mr. Christ Smitham DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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most infections resolve within one to three weeks." Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks.

What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?

If your pooch has kennel cough, it's especially important to make sure he drinks enough water. It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster. If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes.

How long does kennel cough typically last?

Dogs suffering from the disease are typically sick for between one and three weeks but symptoms can sometimes linger for up to six weeks. The incubation period for kennel cough — that's the time from the moment of exposure to signs of it appearing — can be anything from two days to two weeks.

How long should a dog be quarantined for kennel cough?

14 daysIf quarantine is advised, plan to keep your dog away from social environments, including day care and boarding, for at least 14 days after their symptoms have resolved. This is generally how long it takes for a dog to clear the infection and no longer be contagious to other dogs.

How long is a dog contagious with kennel cough on antibiotics?

10-14 daysIn general, dogs who have kennel cough are no longer contagious after 10-14 days. This window can be shortened if antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection.

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.

Can I still walk my dog with kennel cough?

If you notice your dog is coughing, then keep them away from other dogs and lead walk only avoiding coming into contact with other dogs. Take to the vets immediately so they can confirm and administer antibiotics.

Can I leave my dog alone with kennel cough?

Never leave your dog alone in a steamy room or force them to stay in it if they aren't relaxed. Keep your dog away from others - remember your dog will be very contagious whilst they are poorly and can continue to spread kennel cough for 2-3 weeks after their symptoms have cleared.

How long should my dog stay away from other dogs after kennel cough?

The bacteria or virus is then released into the air each time an animal coughs, producing a source of infection for other animals. As a result, any dog with a suspected respiratory infection should be kept away from other dogs for at least one week after all symptoms have completely resolved.

How long does kennel cough last?

Dogs with mild kennel cough are usually sick for about one or two weeks and recover well. These dogs usually only experience mild clinical signs an...

How do you treat kennel cough at home?

Holistic antioxidants for dogs, such as dimethylglycine (DMG), can be used to help modulate and boost the immune system to fight off the virus fast...

Is sneezing a sign of kennel cough?

Sneezing can be a sign of kennel cough and often shows up as a “reverse sneeze.” Usually this is secondary to irritation of the throat or nasophary...

How long is kennel cough contagious for?

Shedding of the virus can go on for one to three weeks after infection with kennel cough. It is best to keep your dog away from other dogs during t...

What can I give my dog for kennel cough over the counter?

Never give your dog human medications. Holistic antioxidants for dogs, such as dimethylglycine (DMG) can be used to help modulate and boost your do...

What causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as Infectious Canine Tracheitis, is caused by multiple viruses and bacteria. These include Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Influenza, Canine Adenovirus, Canine Herpesvirus, Canine Coronavirus, mycoplasma, and Bordatella bronchiseptica.

How long do the symptoms of Kennel Cough last?

The symptoms of kennel cough can last up to a month, although they often last two or three weeks. The symptoms are usually more severe in the first week, when your dog might have very regular coughing fits, with retching and gagging. They might also have a high temperature, runny eyes, or sneezing.

How is Kennel Cough treated?

Sometimes, kennel cough doesn’t require treatment in young and healthy dogs, especially if the symptoms are mild. After all, the viral portion of the infection can only be cleared by their immune system. However, in puppies, elderly dogs, and those with severe symptoms, treatment may be needed.

How long is a dog with Kennel Cough contagious?

Because kennel cough spreads so quickly, it’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs if they have symptoms. Therefore, they should be walked on a lead in areas where they are less likely to meet other dogs, and nose-to-nose contact with dogs should be avoided.

So, when can I walk my dog again after Kennel Cough?

If your dog has kennel cough, you shouldn’t walk them around other dogs until they have been clear of symptoms for two days. This is because they may still be able to spread the infection.

What to do if my dog is coughing and not eating?

Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions. There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, and one that can be given by mouth.

What does kennel cough sound like?

Symptoms of Kennel Cough. The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. It often sounds like a goose honk. This is distinct from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze.

Why is kennel cough called Bordetella?

One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m-- which is why kennel cough is often called Bordetella. Most dogs that become infected with Bordetella are infected with a virus at the same time.

Can kennel cough be prevented?

Although these vaccines may help, they do not guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis because it can be caused by so many different kinds of bacteria and viruses. Also, it is important to realize that neither form of the kennel cough vaccination will treat active infections.

Is it normal for dogs to sneeze?

Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat. Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

Is kennel cough contagious?

Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep them away from other animals and contact your veterinarian. Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection .

What Is Kennel Cough?

respiratory disease in dogs. It’s an infectious bronchitis that causes the trachea and bronchioles to become inflamed, resulting in a dry, hacking cough. This cough can sometimes sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat.

Causes of Kennel Cough

A healthy dog can get kennel cough by inhaling aerosolized bacteria or viruses from an infected dog.

How Vets Diagnose Kennel Cough in Dogs

In most cases, a presumptive diagnosis of kennel cough can be made based clinical signs, history, and response to therapy.

Treatment for Kennel Cough

The treatment for kennel cough will depend on your dog and the severity of the kennel cough. Do not use a collar and leash if your dog has kennel cough or is recovering. Change to using harnesses during walks, as collars with leashes place extra pressure on the trachea, which induces coughing.

Are There Home Remedies for Kennel Cough in Dogs?

For mild cases of kennel cough, there are a few at-home remedy options. However, keep an eye out for signs that the kennel cough is getting worse or not getting better.

Is Kennel Cough Fatal?

Many dogs with kennel cough can recover without complication; however, some dogs can become very sick with life-threatening pneumonia.

Recovery and Management of Kennel Cough

While your dog is home recovering from kennel cough, make sure to avoid irritants such as household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and dust. These things can cause more irritation and prolong your dog’s recovery.

What is the best treatment for kennel cough?

Treatment for kennel cough may also include antibiotics prescribed as a preventative measure against the dog developing a secondary infection that could be more life-threatening. They may also recommend a cough medication to provide some relief from the symptoms of kennel cough.

How long does it take for a dog to get kennel cough?

It typically takes around two to 14 days for kennel cough to develop. While many cases of the disease end up being mild, kennel cough can turn into a more severe form of pneumonia in dogs — which can require hospitalization. This most commonly happens with puppies, dogs with an existing medical condition, and older dogs.

Why does my dog cough when he is sick?

One of the most common causes of kennel cough is the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica. Your dog can get a vaccination to prevent contracting kennel cough this way, but it doesn’t provide complete prevention because the sickness is caused by multiple types of bacteria and viruses. It typically takes around two to 14 days for kennel cough ...

Why do dogs cough in kennels?

Dogs often contract kennel cough when they’re among others of their species in a small area — such as a dog park, a boarding service, a dog show, and even veterinary hospitals. The risk increases if there’s a continuous turnover of animals within the space. One of the most common causes of kennel cough is the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica.

How to prevent kennel cough in dogs?

Make sure your dog isn’t exposed to cigarette smoke, excessive dust, or poor ventilation. Schedule regular vet appointments and follow vaccination and medication suggestions. The measures above are also good practices to follow for preventing future bouts of kennel cough from developing. When to See a Doctor.

How to get my dog to recover from kennel cough?

As a dog owner, you should take the following precautions until your pet is fully recovered from kennel cough and its possible complications: Keep your dog indoors and away from exposure to wet weather or extreme cold. Avoid visiting crowded environments with a lot of other dogs.

What is kennel cough?

When to See a Doctor. Kennel cough is an infectious form of bronchitis that affects dogs. It’s also referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or infectious tracheobronchitis. The most common symptom of the illness is the hacking cough produced by canines with the infection. Other possible symptoms of kennel cough are:

How do dogs get kennel cough?

Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large amounts of canines congregate, such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. Dogs can spread it to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact (e.g., touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water/food bowls).

Why is my dog coughing?

Although kennel cough is easily treatable in healthy dogs, Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, explains that it’s important to report a coughing symptom to your veterinarian because it could be a sign of a more serious disease.

How often do you get a booster for a syringe?

The vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and depending on the form, it is usually initially given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.

Can a dog walk with kennel cough?

Also, it’s helpful for owners to use a harness rather than a collar to walk a dog with kennel cough because irritation of the tracheal can aggravate the cough and possibly even cause damage to the trachea.

Can kennel cough be caused by Bordetella?

A vaccine is available for the bordetella bacterium, which is the most common agent to cause kennel cough. Dogs who are frequently boarded, visit doggie day care, compete in canine sports, or otherwise are exposed to large groups of dogs may benefit from the vaccine, and many training, boarding, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination.

How long does kennel cough last?

Once your dog has caught kennel cough, symptoms usually last for a matter of days. In more severe cases, kennel cough lasts for several weeks . If Bordetella is the main culprit, kennel cough itself will last for around ten days.

How long does it take for kennel cough to develop?

The incubation period is the period between exposure and display of first symptoms. For kennel cough, the incubation period of the illness is two to fourteen days.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

Other warning signs include cold-like symptoms. Look out for a runny nose and nasal discharge, sneezing, eye discharge, lethargy, and a low-grade fever. Symptoms of kennel cough may appear like symptoms of canine influenza.

How to avoid kennel cough?

Avoid kennel cough all together — The best way to avoid kennel cough is to stay up to date on vaccines and to keep your dog away from dust, smoke, and infected pups . Vaccination is recommended — Any social or high-risk dogs should get vaccinated.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough occurs when a dog inhales bacteria into the respiratory tract. You might hear kennel cough referred to as “ Bordetella bacteria” or “ Bordetella bronchiseptica. ” That’s the name of the bacteria which mixes with another virus to produce kennel cough and other upper respiratory infections.

Why is kennel cough called kennel cough?

Due to the various ways infectious bacteria can mix to make kennel cough, you might hear vets refer to “kennel cough” as “Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.”.

How far can kennel cough bacteria travel?

Airborne droplets. Kennel cough bacteria can spread in the air. Droplets can travel six feet or further . This is what makes it so contagious. Skin contact. This one seems obvious. Dogs in direct contact with one another can spread kennel cough.

How long does it take for kennel cough to go away?

With the help of antibiotics, your dog’s kennel cough should clear within 1 or 2 weeks.

How long does kennel cough last in dogs?

Symptoms persisting for more than two weeks. Immunocompromised dog. A course of antibiotics may help to treat kennel cough more quickly and effectively than if you were to ‘wait it out’ and nurse your dog back to health.

What is the best antibiotic for kennel cough in cats?

Clavamox (Amoxicillin & Cllavulanic Acid) Clavamox is another popular antibiotic for treating kennel cough in cats and dogs. Clavamox is technically a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, hence the name, Clavamox.

What is the name of the drug that is given to dogs and cats?

Doxycycline. Doxycycline comes from the family of drugs, tetracycline. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic meaning it can treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Doxycycline does not treat fungal or viral infections. Doxycycline is given to dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles in the form of either:

What is the name of the fluoroquinolone that is used to treat a dog's p

Enrofloxacin or Baytril. Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone, another family of antibiotics, that treats specific infections in dogs, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Baytril is the brand name and frankly much easier to say!

Can kennel cough antibiotics cause a dog to spit out?

Your pet might be having an adverse reaction to the kennel cough antibiotic. Consult with your vet. Spitting out the tablets. If you’re administering antibiotics via tablet, it’s easy for your dog to spit these out when you’re not looking! Talk to your vet for an effective method.

Does Bordetella kill kennel cough?

The antibiotic kills the infection and stops the bordetella bacteria from reproducing or duplicating cells. When this starts happening, you’ll notice your dog’s symptoms gradually improve. Thankfully, the kennel cough bacteria are very susceptible to bordetella antibiotics such as doxycycline.

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Overview

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Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease, formerly canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory infection affecting dogs. There are multiple causative agents, the most common being the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, followed by canine parainfluenza virus, and to a lesser extent cani…
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Treatment And Prevention

  • Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep him away from other animals and contact your veterinarian.
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  • Even in the most hygienic, well ventilated, spacious kennels the possibility of a dog acquiring Kennel Cough exists. Kennel Cough can be acquired from your neighbor's dog, from a Champion show dog at a dog show, from the animal hospital where your dog just came in for treatment of a cut paw. So try not to blame the kennel operator if your dog develops Kennel Cough shortly afte…
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  • Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive. NSAIDs are often given to reduce fever and upper respiratory inflammation. Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. In some cases, su…
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  • Both injectable and intranasal (administered in the nose) vaccines are available to protect against kennel cough. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your dog's situation and risk factors for kennel cough. Vaccinations should be given at least a week or two in advance of situations where your dog is at risk for contracting kennel cough to b…
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Symptoms

  • The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. It often sounds like a goose honk. This is distinct from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat. Some dogs with …
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  • Kennel Cough in dogs will stimulate a coarse, dry, hacking cough about three to seven days after the dog is initially infected. It sounds as if the dog needs to \"clear his throat\" and the cough will be triggered by any extra activity or exercise. Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough will cough every few minutes, all day long. Their general state of health and alertness will be unaffected, th…
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  • The incubation period is 5–7 days. Symptoms can include a harsh, dry cough, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise. The presence of a fever varies from case to case.
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  • The symptoms usually appear about 5-10 days after exposure to an infected dog and can last for up to 3 weeks, though symptoms may improve considerably within a few days. It is thought that dogs can remain contagious for several weeks after symptoms clear up.
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Treatment

  • Treatment is generally limited to symptomatic relief of the coughing with non-prescription, and occasionally prescription, cough suppressants. If the dog is running a fever or there seems to be a persistent and severe cough, antibiotics are occasionally utilized to assist the dog in recovering from Kennel Cough. It can happen that secondary bacterial invaders will complicate a case of K…
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  • Your vet will recommend treatment based on the severity of illness in your dog. Many dogs recover without treatment, so your dog may simply require monitoring to ensure the symptoms are not worsening. For dogs with severe coughs, a cough suppressant may be prescribed, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections. If your dog has sympt…
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If your dog has contracted bordetella, your vet may prescribe doxycycline for dog kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious condition affecting dogs, and there may be times when vets feel that it is necessary to recommend a course of antibiotics. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed for kennel co…
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  • Mild cases of kennel cough usually respond to exercise restriction and treatment with cough suppressants and antibioticsa type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Though antibiotics may be unnecessary for mild cases that resolve on their own, there is no way to predict which cases will progress to chronic bacterial infection or pneum…
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Cause

  • Just as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes. One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m-- which is why kennel cough is often called Bordetella. Most dogs that become infected with Bordetella are infected with a virus at the same time. These viruses, which are known to make d…
See more on pets.webmd.com
  • The causative organisms can be present in the expired air of an infected dog, much the same way that human \"colds\" are transmitted. The airborne organisms will be carried in the air in microscopically tiny water vapor or dust particles. The airborne organisms, if inhaled by a susceptible dog, can attach to the lining of the trachea and upper airway passages, find a warm, …
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Kennel cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (it has also been called Bordatellosis or Bordetella). It is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting the airways. Kennel cough is commonly contracted in situations where dogs are confined in close contact, such as kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, and dog sh…
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  • Did you know? Kennel cough can be caused by an assortment of viral and bacterial pathogens Bacterial pathogens include Bordetella bronchiseptica, mycoplasma spp, while viral pathogens include parainfluenza, scanine adenovirus 2., canine herpesvirus and canine respiratory coronavirus.
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Transmission

  • Viral infections such as canine parainfluenza or canine coronavirus are only spread for roughly one week following recovery; however, respiratory infections involving B. bronchiseptica can be transmissible for several weeks longer. While there was early evidence to suggest that B. bronchiseptica could be shed for many months post-infection, a more recent report places detec…
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  • Kennel cough is transmitted by direct dog-to-dog contact through aerosols and droplets coughed into the air by infected dogs, as well objects like toys, bowls, bedding, collars, leashes and kennels. People also can transmit kennel cough to other dogs by not washing their hands after touching a sick dog. However, people cannot get kennel cough from dogs.
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Prognosis

  • Life-threatening cases of Kennel Cough are extremely rare and a vast majority of dogs that acquire the infection will recover on their own with no medication.
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  • In some cases kennel cough may progress and lead to more serious, secondary problems. Very young puppies with weaker immune systems (generally under 4 months of age) are particularly prone to severe respiratory infections which can progress to pneumonia. At risk for complications may also be very old dogs or dogs with a suppressed immune system. And in a shelter environm…
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  • Even when a dog has been treated for kennel cough, he will still release the remnants of the infection into the air for around two to three weeks after complete treatment. During that time, other dogs are still at risk from contracting kennel cough.
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Diagnosis

  • It is, however, always a good idea to have any dog examined if coughing is noticed because some very serious respiratory diseases such as Blastomycosis, Valley Fever, Heartworms and even cardiac disease might display similar sounding coughing. Your veterinarian, through a careful physical exam and questioning regarding the dog's recent environment, will be able to establish i…
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  • While a coughing dog should see a vet for an evaluation, if lethargy or loss of appetite accompany a cough, see your vet immediately. This may indicate serious complications, such as pneumonia. Uncomplicated cases of kennel cough can often be diagnosed based on history (i.e. exposure to new dogs), symptoms, and physical examination. If some of the more serious signs such as nas…
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  • As seen, doxycycline for kennel cough is a drug that your vet may or may not decide to give to your dog based on several individual factors such as your dogs age, overall health and severity of the symptoms. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, consult with your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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  • Various diagnostic tests can be run on blood and samples taken from the respiratory tract of affected dogs. A recent vaccination can make test results difficult to interpret in some cases by causing false-positive test results.Your veterinarian will check for pneumonia by using the tests for kennel cough described above, as well as chest X-rays. Most of the time, X-rays can be comp…
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Vaccines

  • To increase their effectiveness, vaccines should be administered as soon as possible after a dog enters a high-risk area, such as a shelter. 10 to 14 days are required for partial immunity to develop. Administration of B. bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza vaccines may then be continued routinely, especially during outbreaks of kennel cough. There are several methods of …
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Mechanism

  • It is generally assumed that the intranasal route of inoculation works the fastest in getting protective levels of immunity established. However, studies have indicated that in dogs that have been previously immunized by either the intranasal or injectable route and that have some level of immunity already present, vaccination by the injectable route actually boosts immunity faster th…
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  • Doxycycline works by interfering with the bacterias ability to reproduce. With the bacterias growth cycle halted, the overload is reduced and the body is better able to fight off the infection.
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