Just like a human cold, it is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, and is highly contagious In fact, the name ‘”
kennel cough
” was coined because it is so easily spread amongst dogs in shelters or close living spaces.
Is kennel cough a big deal?
Kennel cough is highly contagious and can cause a huge variety of symptoms ranging from
dry cough
for a
couple days
to fever, anorexia, severe pneumonia and death Keep your dog away from other dogs when coughing and for at least a week after you hear the last cough.
What are the first symptoms of kennel cough?
- a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound – this is the most obvious symptom.
- runny nose.
- sneezing.
- lethargy.
- loss of appetite.
- low fever.
Why is kennel cough so common?
Similar to human colds, kennel cough can be caused by a number of different germs (viruses and bacteria) It’s most common in areas where lots of different dogs gather (such as kennels, dog shows and
doggy day care
) and can survive in the environment for several weeks.
Does kennel cough come on suddenly?
The incubation period ranges from 2-14 days The most common clinical signs include the abrupt onset of a dry, hacking cough that often culminates with a retching noise. Some animals may also experience fever, nasal discharge, lack of appetite and lethargy.
Should I take my dog to the vet for kennel cough?
The symptoms of kennel cough are similar to many other respiratory diseases. It’s important to visit the vet if your dog is displaying these symptoms Once a proper diagnosis is made, kennel cough is usually treated with rest and sometimes antibiotics (to prevent or treat
secondary infections
).
How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?
Signs of Kennel Cough in Dogs The primary symptom of kennel cough is a non-productive and persistent dry cough It usually sounds like a goose honk or as if something is stuck in your dog’s throat. Runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, decreased appetite, and mild fever are other symptoms.
Should I be worried about kennel cough?
DO NOT WORRY, Kennel Cough itself is not fatal but in rare cases, the virus could lead to bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs , so it is very important to get your dog checked if they have any of these symptoms: Coughing – very strong, often with a “honking” noise.
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.
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 do vets test for 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.
Can a dog get kennel cough even if they are vaccinated?
However, your dog can still contract kennel cough even if he or she has been vaccinated There are many strains and mutations of the virus. The Bordetella vaccine is similar to the “flu shot” for people; each year, a vaccine is developed based on which strains are suspected to be most prevalent.
Is kennel cough painful for dogs?
It will be irritating for your dog and may even hurt her throat It can sound far worse than it is so try not to panic if your dog does start to show this symptom. In most cases, this cough is completely harmless and will go away within a couple of weeks.
Can you treat kennel cough at home?
Many milder cases of Kennel Cough can be treated at home with herbs and homeopathics , under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian. A trip to the vet may be necessary for persistent cases lasting more than a couple of weeks, or where the dog becomes weak with a loss of appetite or any other signs of discomfort.
How does a dog get kennel cough without being around other dogs?
Kennel cough is spread through the air and by improper hygiene Therefore, it could be spread to a dog that has no contact with other dogs if a human in the household was touching an infected dog and didn’t wash up afterward, or by the dog being housed in an area where and infected dog had been recently.
How long is a dog with kennel cough contagious?
How long is kennel cough contagious? In 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.
Are some dogs more susceptible to kennel cough?
Any dog can get kennel cough, but puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a greater risk Kennel cough causes a persistent, nonproductive cough that may sound as if something is caught in your pet’s throat and they are gagging or trying to clear their throat.
How do you treat kennel cough without a vet?
- Mild Cases of Kennel Cough
- Severe Cases of Kennel Cough
- Add Honey to Warm Water
- Use a Humidifier
- Use Your Shower to Do Steam Therapy
- Try Holistic Antioxidants Made for Dogs
- Make Sure Your Dog Is Getting Plenty of Rest.
Does peanut butter help kennel cough?
Echinacea stimulated the angiogenic (formation of new blood vessels) of spleen lymphocytes, indicating an enhancement of the immune system which would help fight off the kennel cough infection. You may give echinacea with peanut butter as a treat for your dog.
What should I do if my dog has kennel cough?
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.
Sources
https://www.caldervets.co.uk/news/facts-about-kennel-cough/
Kennel cough: Your dog doesn’t have to go to a kennel to catch it