How Bad Is Kennel Cough In Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Very Common,

Usually Not Serious

. Canine infectious tracheobronchitis ( 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.

Can dogs survive kennel cough?


In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks

.

How do you treat kennel cough at home?


Honey can be a great home remedy for kennel cough as it can help soothe your dog's throat and minimize coughing

. You can give your dog 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl. This can be offered up to three times a day depending on how often your dog is coughing.

Should I take my dog to 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).

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.

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.

What can be mistaken for kennel cough?

He said such illnesses “start off with symptoms nearly identical to kennel cough.”

A collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma and heart disease

can also cause coughing, the AKC said.

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 Long Can dogs have kennel cough?

How long does kennel cough last? 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.

Can you leave kennel cough untreated?

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.

How much does kennel cough treatment cost?

Generally, the cost for kennel cough treatment is related to the examination and medications prescribed. This cost usually ranges from

$75 to $200

depending on the size of the pet and which medications are needed. If lab work and X-rays are needed, it could be an additional $200 to $500 depending on the tests run.

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 a dog with kennel cough need to be isolated?

As Kennel Cough is highly contagious to other dogs, it is advised that you keep your dog away from other dogs for

around two weeks

, but this can vary depending on the severity of the infection.

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.

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.

Is kennel cough serious?

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.

Do dogs cough a lot with kennel cough?

Dogs with kennel cough are usually bright and alert and usually eat well; however,

they have a dry, hacking cough or bouts of deep, harsh coughing often followed by gagging motions

. The gagging sometimes produces foamy mucus. Most dogs with kennel cough do not have a fever.

How can you tell the difference between kennel cough and heartworms?

Unlike a regular cough or a kennel cough, which is strong and sporadic,

a heartworm- related cough is dry and persistent

. In the early stages, the cough may be induced by even small amounts of exercise, as the heartworm parasites make their way into the lungs, creating blockage and discomfort.

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.