My dogs have kennel cough. Will it keep spreading? Do they need meds?

They should not pass it back and forth once they have recuperated from this strain of infection kennel cough is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. It can take up to 6 weeks to pass. Usually it is an uncomplicated infection. Unfortunately kennel cough is rampant in shelters.

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, or Bordetella, is a common upper respiratory pathogen that is very contagious between dogs, and usually dogs have a loud goose-honk cough, sometimes ending in coughing up a bit of phlegm. This could be going on with your dogs. Don't worry, it isn't life-threatening, but I usually put these dogs on an antitussive to help alleviate the cough and sometimes an antibiotic. If you don't take them to a vet, the cough should go away in a week or two, but make sure you don't let them socialize with other dogs as they will spread it around.

Yes you can! But I would recommend to have them both treated for the respiratory infection as they can pass it back and forth and it can become very frustrating. The puppy might need a different size antibiotic since it is much smaller. Make sure both dogs continue to eat and drink regularly. Upper respiratory can occasionally progress to pneumonia especially in young, elderly, and immunocompromised dogs but they will usually show symptoms of not wanting to eat and being lethargic. I hope they both start to feel better.

Kennel cough is a respiratory infections that is caused by roughly 9 different organisms. They get it by coming in contact with dogs who are infected or by sniffling an area where a dog who is infected was recently located. So it spreads easily. Treatment is symptomatic with medications to decrease coughing and inflammation. Sometimes antibiotics are indicated but many times the cause is viral so antibiotics won't help. Please post again if you have any further questions!

Poor Rosie! Tracheobronchitis can be contagious to other dogs. She may be contagious for a few weeks as there are multiple organisms that can cause it and they can persist for varying periods of time. Your veterinarian may have more specific recommendations or the dog daycare may want her to be rechecked prior to her going back.

Kennel Cough is easily spread from dog to dog. Given the pup's age, it should be examined by your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Left untreated, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia which can be life threatening in puppies.