What is kennel cough, how do dogs get it, and how can I treat it?

Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another. The most common disease causing cough is a viral infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. Kennel cough is a generic term for an upper respiratory tract infection. While Bordetella is a common component of the infection, you are correct in that there are other causes. I do recommend the vaccine though as I seen respiratory infections very frequently. The vaccine can either prevent the disease or will lessen the effects of the infection. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection which sometimes can even affect the lower respitatory system or lungs. It is sometimes due to bacterial or viral infections. This is a relatively common disease in puppies especially if not vaccinated. It is contagious and usually dogs get it from other affected dogs. Coughing can of course happen due to other pulmonary conditions like pneumonia for example. I recommend that you have Naja evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take thoracic radiographs and may prescribe antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your younger puppy is not showing any symptoms I would definitely not treat her. Kennel cough is transmitted similarly to the common cold- so with direct contact or by sharing bowls or even by germs transferred from your hands after petting the coughing puppy. So keeping them separately is ideal if feasible, and washing your hands between handling each of them is also advised. Since kennel cough is transmitted by aerosol and direct contact you wound have to keep their kennels very separate (like in different rooms). I am not sure if your frenchie is already being treated , but Kennel cough is often viral and self limiting. But sometimes a cough suppressant or antibiotic is indicated depending on signs. I would watch him closely and have him evaluated (if you haven’t already) if he becomes lethargic, if his appetite decreases, if his respiratory rate is increased or if there is thick nasal discharge. I hope Noah is feeling better very soon and that your younger pup stays healthy!

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory disease that is caused by various bacteria and viruses, The most well known one would be Bordetella sp. Kennel cough is a self limiting disease and will go away within 4 weeks even without treatment, We only treat the animal if it has a fever, or if the cough gets so bad that it is coughing almost all the time, or if there is a purulent discharge. You do not need to do anything. Should your dog start coughing constantly or get lethargic or have a purulent discharge, you should take it either to your vet for an exam and cough medicine and antibiotics as needed or to a PetER if your vet is not open. But if your dog is happy and other than coughing occasionally appears not bothered by it, you can wait it out.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. It sounds like Tate picked up an infection at doggy daycare and then likely spread it to your roommate's dogs. Some dogs will clear the infection on their own. However, if the coughing persists, they will likely need medication. They will need to see a veterinarian in this case. In the meantime, keep them quiet and at home. They are likely contagious to other dogs. They will not keep passing the infection between them though. Each dog should develop some immunity after being infected. I hope this information helps!

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.