Will My Dog Recover From Kennel Cough?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most dogs with cough recover completely within three weeks

, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions.

How long will my dog keep coughing with kennel cough?

Although there is the chance that a mild respiratory infection may become more serious, the majority of infections are typically self limiting and characterized by a mild cough that lasts

1-2 weeks

.

How can I speed up the recovery of kennel cough?


Adequate rest

is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest.

How do you know when kennel cough is gone?

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.

How fast do dogs recover from kennel cough?

Most dogs recover from kennel cough within

3–4 weeks

. If a dog has a compromised immune system, is a young puppy or a senior, it may take up to 6 weeks for a complete recovery. However, the dog may still be a carrier of the disease for several weeks after he has recovered.

Is kennel cough worse at night?

The classic honking, hacking cough which is often followed by a big retch at the end, lasts for one to two weeks in an average case.

Usually the coughing is worse at night

and in the morning and better during the day when the dog is moving around.

Will kennel cough get worse before it gets better?


Sometimes, symptoms will get worse before getting better

even if you've visited the vet for treatment. This is because respiratory infections need time to run their course. Eventually your dog's cough will subside, but sometimes the hack will linger around longer than other symptoms.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a number of bacteria and viruses.

Most of them can't be passed on to humans

. The main bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) can infect humans, but only those with weakened immune systems. Even then, it's very rare.

How can I soothe my dogs cough?

Should I walk my dog with kennel cough?

But what if they do contract it? 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.

What kills kennel cough?

(Using a harness is better during recovery)

Antibiotics can kill the Bordetella bacteria

– the most common present in kennel cough cases. Cough suppressants and anti- inflammatories may also be given by your vet. These can reduce symptoms if excessive such as persistent coughing.

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 long does it take kennel cough to clear up with antibiotics?

Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium. “… most infections resolve within

one to three weeks

.” Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks.

How serious is kennel cough in dogs?

Very Common,

Usually Not Serious

. Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, resolving on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.

What do you feed a dog with kennel cough?

Good food choices are

boiled chicken, boiled hamburger, or cooked rice

. The food should not be seasoned or cooked with fat. Most dogs recover from kennel cough without treatment in approximately two weeks.

Is kennel cough painful for dogs?

Kennel cough is a common, contagious disease that produces coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms in dogs.

The disease can cause significant discomfort — and in some cases, serious complications — but it usually responds very well to veterinary treatment

.

Does kennel cough make a dog tired?

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease. Its most distinctive symptom is a dry, honking cough.

Dogs with kennel cough can be lethargic and feverish

. Treatments may include cough suppressants, antibiotics, and bronchodilators.

Can exercise help kennel cough?

Kennel cough is not life-threatening, but all that hacking and coughing can wear your dog out, so the best thing for them is to rest as

excessive exercise will make the symptoms worse and take them longer to recover

.

How did my dog get kennel cough?

Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is easily spread from dog to dog

through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs

— a bit like how the common cold is spread in grade schools.

How did my 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.

Can I spread kennel cough on my clothes?

It is important to remember that

the disease can be spread by contact with objects that the infected dog has been around

, such as food/water dishes, crates, bedding, and clothing. To help prevent your dog from becoming infected with kennel cough, there are several precautions that can be taken.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.