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If your poor pooch gets Kennel Cough, it can seem like they’re severely unwell before the diagnosis. The cough is so harsh it often sounds like they have something stuck in their throat, and they may struggle to get rest between bouts of coughing, meaning sleepless nights for you and them. So, if you and your canine companion are in the midst of sleep deprivation due to kennel cough, how long should you expect it to last?
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What is Kennel Cough?
‘Kennel Cough’ is a mixed viral and bacterial infection of the upper windpipe. It is incredibly contagious and gets its name from how quickly it spreads in areas like kennels, where lots of dogs are in a small space. Despite its name, it can be caught whenever a dog comes into contact with an infected dog – even on a walk.
Kennel cough causes a distinctively dry, hacking cough which is sometimes accompanied by retching and gagging. If your dog has kennel cough, they might also bring up phlegm or foam at the end of a coughing fit.
Kennel cough causes a distinctively dry, hacking cough which is sometimes accompanied by retching and gagging.
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. Often the initial cause is viral, but then opportunistic bacteria add to the infection.
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. They shouldn’t have labored breathing, though, so if you notice this symptom, you should contact a mobile veterinarian near you right away in case the infection has started to spread to the lungs. Towards the end of their recovery, they may only cough once in twenty-four hours and should be eating, drinking, and behaving normally.
If your dog has kennel cough, you shouldn’t walk them around other dogs until they have been clear of symptoms for two days.
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.
The most common treatment prescribed for kennel cough is an anti-inflammatory medication. This is because, just like in humans, lots of coughing can cause a sore throat and lead to more coughing, becoming a vicious cycle. Anti-inflammatory medication can also help if your dog has a fever by bringing their temperature down.
Dogs who are affected badly by kennel cough, where their immune system needs some help to fight the infection, can be prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial causes. This is especially important if there are signs that the disease could be spreading to the lower airways.
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. If your furry friend has kennel cough, they could continue to shed infectious particles for the duration of their symptoms. So, you should treat them as if they are contagious until forty-eight hours after their last cough.
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. Although it can be frustrating if your pup seems unaffected by their occasional cough, it’s important to ensure they aren’t responsible for an outbreak of sick dogs.
The symptoms of kennel cough usually last for 2-3 weeks but may be up to a month. Be patient, and soon you’ll be out with your fur buddy enjoying walkies safely again!
FAQ
Because Kennel Cough is partially viral, it can’t be cured quicker than the immune system can fight the infection. However, symptomatic treatment like anti-inflammatories, certain cough syrups, or honey and lemon can help to soothe the cough. Antibiotics may help your dog fight the bacterial portion of the infection, which may also help reduce symptoms.
Although your dog will still need some exercise if they have Kennel Cough, there are two things to consider. Firstly, in the first few days of Kennel Cough, they may feel under the weather and not want a long walk. Secondly, they will be contagious for the duration of their symptoms. Therefore, it is important to walk them in areas where they won’t encounter other dogs and continue this until forty-eight hours after their last symptom.
If you have a young, healthy dog, they might not need treatment for their Kennel Cough. If they have a robust immune system, they may not get a high temperature, and their symptoms may be mild. If this is the case, your veterinarian may not prescribe any medication.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. Although she initially worked in mixed practice treating all species, she found a love for small animal work and has worked exclusively with dogs and cats since 2014. She lives in Wales with her partner, son, and two cats (named Poppy and Ashton Kutcher), and writes comedy fiction in her spare time.
