Kennel Cough: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts and When To Worry
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Kennel cough is the common cold of the dog world: a highly contagious infection of the upper airways that sounds dreadful and usually resolves on its own. Knowing what is normal, and what is not, saves worry and the occasional unnecessary vet trip, while catching the rare case that needs treatment.
Key Takeaways
- The hallmark is a dry, hacking cough, often ending in a retch, in an otherwise bright dog.
- Most cases clear in one to three weeks without antibiotics.
- See a vet if your dog is off food, lethargic, feverish or breathing fast, or if the dog is a puppy, elderly or flat-faced.
What causes it
A mix of bacteria and viruses, commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus, spread by close contact in kennels, daycare, parks and training classes. Incubation is two to fourteen days.
Symptoms
A loud, honking cough that worsens with excitement or pressure on the collar. Some dogs have a runny nose or sneeze. Appetite and energy usually stay normal.
Treatment
Rest, a harness instead of a collar, and time. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories to ease the throat. Antibiotics are reserved for dogs with signs of secondary infection. Keep your dog away from others for at least two weeks after the cough stops.
Prevention
A vaccine, given as nasal drops or by injection, reduces severity but does not prevent every case because several organisms are involved. Most kennels and daycares require it.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Can humans catch kennel cough?
Very rarely, and generally only people with significantly weakened immune systems. Normal hygiene is sufficient.
?My dog has been vaccinated but still caught it. Why?
The vaccine covers the most common organisms, not all of them, and vaccinated dogs typically have milder, shorter illness.
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About Dr. Tomas Ellery
Dr. Tomas Ellery is an emergency and general-practice veterinarian who has spent fifteen years treating dogs in busy city clinics. He writes the health and symptom guides on VetsExplained and is a firm believer that owners who know what normal looks like catch disease earlier.
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