My dog has cough, runny nose, lethargy after daycare. Is it kennel cough?

It sounds like your dog picked up a severe upper respiratory tract infection. This could be kennel cough, but also canine influenza or pneumonia. Please take him to your veterinarian for an exam. Since he is shivering, and lethargic, this could be a life-threatening condition.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The diarrhea is very common after boarding and can be related to either the food or the stress/excitement of boarding. The thirst is usually secondary (that is, to keep up with the water loss of the diarrhea.) The antibiotics Tylan and metronidazole are commonly prescribed for diarrhea because they restore the gut bacteria balance and have some anti-inflammatory effects in the gut as well. I expect that part o clear up in a few days. The cough could still be kennel cough. “Kennel cough” is a syndrome that can be caused by about a dozen viruses and bacteria. The current kennel cough vaccine only covers one bacterial cause. If it is mild, you may not need to do anything. Most dogs clear kennel cough on their own within 4 weeks. If she is not eating, is lethargic, the cough is severe or keeps her (or you) up at night, you need to see your vet for antibiotics and/or a cough suppressant. Of course coughing can also be: pneumonia, fungal infection, heart disease, bronchitis, and others. So if you are worried at all, see your vet. Best wishes to you and the pups!

Yes , it is possible that Theo can still get kennel cough, even though he was vaccinated. Kennel cough is a respiratory disease complex that can be caused by a large number of various bacteria and viruses. The vaccination only covers Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the bacterium which is the main cause. So if your dog catches kennel cough he can still get infected with the other bacteria and viruses, but he will be immune against Bordetella. This then usually causes the kennel cough to be milder. Because Theo has a oozing eye I suggest you take him to the vet for an exam. If he has a fever as well and should he have an eye infection he will need antibiotics, If he has a bad cough your vet can also give him some cough medicine. Usually kennel cough is self-limiting and goes away within 3-4 weeks, but sometimes a dog needs medication to help it get over it.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection. There are different upper respiratory tract infections possible and unfortunately kennel cough is only one (although the most common) of them. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pete! Was Pete put on antibiotics when he was seen? Kennel cough is caused by many viral, bacterial or mycoplasma organisms. There is only the ONE vaccine for Bordatella. A lot of dogs sadly get a different bacteria or virus that causes the kennel cough signs. Kennel cough is very goose honkey. Since Pete is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is pacing at night and is 12 years old he should be rechecked. I would recommend X-rays of his chest. If his heart and lungs look clear then either put him on antibiotics and a cough suppressant if he isn't on anything or change the medications since he isn't improving and is actually getting worse. I worry about older dogs with possible kennel cough. The young and the old have increased risk for kennel cough to progress to pneumonia. I hope this helps and I wish Pete the very best!

It sounds like they had a touch of kennel cough which is like dog flu. What can happen when treating with antibiotics that if the course finishes too soon it can make them better but hasn't completely killed the bugs then it recurs. I would visit your vet as you may need a longer course or different antibiotic.

If he is sick, he shouldn't be vaccinated until he recovers. Kennel cough is typically self limiting. This means it resolves on its own whether treatment is administered or not. Antibiotics may help treat secondary infection. Since kennel cough may be caused by more than one organism, Dreko should still be vaccinated in the future.