My dog has a dry cough. Could it be kennel cough? Should I see a vet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! There are many reasons for coughing: kennel cough, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure or cancer. Since it has only been a few days it is ok to give her more time. Kennel cough takes 2 weeks to resolve. If the cough worsens or hasn’t resolved in 2 weeks then I recommend a recheck and chest X-rays. I wish you the best!

You can have Lola examined by your veterinarian to confirm your thought. Most cases of kennel cough will resolve with our without treatment within 2 weeks although the cough may linger beyond that. Other causes such as heartworm disease, cardiac disease, parasites or other respiratory infection should also be ruled out.

I would not be worried just yet. Even though he was fully vaccinated he could still have acquired kennel cough (bordetella). That vaccine is not 100% effective. If they have been vaccinated against it and they do end up getting kennel cough usually the symptoms are less severe and the course of the disease is shorter so having the vaccine is worthwhile. Was he vaccinated for influenza (flu)? Again, not a 100% protective vaccine (just like out flu vaccine). This could be more serious if he caught the flu. Just monitor him for worsening signs - not eating, extreme lethargy, increased coughing, not drinking, ocular/nasal discharge, etc. If you notice any of those signs then I would take him to your vet for an exam. A little bit tired and mild coughing is not too worrisome at this stage. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although there are many causes of coughing (heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, etc.), the most likely cause for the coughing given Emmie's history is 'Kennel Cough' or Infectious tracheitis. This is a viral infection that causes irritation in the trachea and a cough. It can become very severe such that the coughing prevents eating/sleeping and leads to weight loss and depression. If the coughing is severe you can ask your vet about anti-tussives (anti-cough medication). Sometimes this infection leads to a secondary bacterial infection, and the cough becomes 'wet' and at this stage antiboitics are required. I recommend a visit to your vet, x-rays might be required depending on how the lungs sound when your vet listens to the chest. Best of luck with Emmie.

It could be kennel cough, scratch in the throat from chewing on hard objects or swelling in the throat from being stung in the throat by an insect. As long as your dog is acting as normal, eating food and keeping it down you should monitor him at home. Kennel cough symptoms usually resolve within 7-10 days without treatment. However, if your dog continues to cough or becomes lethargic and off food, you should get him checked by your local vets.

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!

It's possible that the inflammation in the airways just has not completely resolved, and the pred was helping to decrease that inflammation. If he's still eating and drinking, and he's active and happy, I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Give it another 5 days or so, if the cough is still persisting, followup with your vet. If his breathing is labored at all, or if he seems depressed or has a decreased appetite, please followup with your vet. As for being contagious, he may still be. I would wait at least another week before having him around other dogs. Here some more information you may find helpful. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/kennel-cough/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!