Can My Dog Play With Other Dogs If He Has Kennel Cough?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your dog is diagnosed with cough,

he or she may not be able to be around other dogs for as long as three or four weeks

. Consider giving your dog honey to soothe your dog's throat (about a teaspoon several times a day). Ask your vet about cough medicine. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

Can kennel cough affect newborn puppies?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease and

very easy to spread to puppies, unvaccinated adult dogs and old dogs

. Puppies have an immature immune system, which makes them a high-risk population for this disease.

Is kennel cough contagious to puppies?

It often sounds worse than it is and usually clears up without treatment. However, it can be life-threatening for puppies, old dogs, and dogs with a compromised immune system. It's also

very contagious

. The scientific name for kennel cough is canine infectious tracheobronchitis.

How do dogs pick up kennel cough?

Dogs “catch” kennel cough

when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract

.

How did my dog get kennel cough without being in a kennel?

4.) My dog has not spent time in a boarding kennel—how could he have kennel cough? Many causes of respiratory infections are extremely contagious, and

dogs can become exposed via close contact with another infected dog in a variety of settings including dog parks, daycare facilities and training classes

.

How long does kennel cough last in puppies?

Kennel cough

usually clears up within three weeks

. Sometimes it can take up to six weeks to clear up for older dogs or those with existing medial conditions. However, in very rare cases the illness can progress to pneumonia so contact your vet if your dog's condition doesn't improve.

When can my dog Socialise again after kennel cough?

How long is kennel cough contagious? In general, dogs who have kennel cough are no longer contagious after

10-14 days

.

Can I leave my dog home alone with kennel cough?

Caring for a dog 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 do you treat kennel cough in puppies?

Typically, mild cases of kennel cough are treated with

a week or two of rest

, but a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection and cough medication to ease the symptoms.

What causes kennel cough in puppies?

Kennel cough

spreads through the saliva and nasal secretions

. It can happen through direct contact when your puppy sniffs or licks an infected dog or a contaminated object in their environment. However, coughing also transmits the agents through the air from one dog to another.

Why is my 10 week old puppy coughing?


Sometimes migrating larvae from internal parasites can cause coughing and gagging in puppies

. Second, specifically ask about tracheobronchitis, an upper respiratory infection that should be treated with antibiotics. Be aware that occasional coughing and gagging in puppies can be normal.

When should I take my puppy to the vet for kennel cough?


If your dog becomes listless, lethargic, stops eating, has trouble breathing, develops excessive green nasal discharge or a productive cough

, see your veterinarian immediately. Finally, if you suspect your dog has kennel cough, isolate them from other dogs to avoid spreading it.

Why is my 7 week old puppy coughing?

Coughing is

a means of removing dust, germs, pollen, or other debris that your dog might have breathed in

. However, if your pup is coughing frequently or seems unable to stop, you may need to take him to the vet immediately.

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.

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.

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.

How long does kennel cough last on clothes?

People, and their clothing, can also serve as a source of transmission if they do not disinfect their hands and clothing between pets. Bacteria, like Bordetella, can survive on surfaces for

up to 48 hours

, ready and waiting to be transmitted to another unsuspecting host to continue the cycle of infection.

Can a dog still get kennel cough even though vaccinated?

Most vaccines against this bacteria do not actually prevent infection, but significantly reduce symptoms and shedding of the bacteria. Therefore,

it is possible that your dog can contract kennel cough even when vaccinated

.

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.