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My dog had kennel cough. Do I need to sanitize my home to prevent reinfection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 9 months and 13 days old | 13.5 lbs

My pup was diagnosed with kennel cough yesterday (7-30-18). She started her anti-biotics the same day. If necessary, what steps do I need to take to sanitize our home and her toys? At what point should I do this to ensure that I am not re-exposing her to the bacteria? After anti-biotic is complete? Maybe once the anti-biotic works its magic a little more?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2018

It is pretty likely that after Mila has gone through the course of kennel cough she is naturally immune to all these bacteria and viruses involved for quite a while. So you do not need to worry about her being reexposed. The antibiotic will kill the bacteria that are involved and may opportunistically superinfect your dog. Again once she has finished the course there is likely no chance she gets reinfected from residual bacteria in her environment. So you do not have to worry, just do not expose other dogs to her environment or let her come in contact with other dogs as kennel cough is very contagious.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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