What is kennel cough in dogs: signs, symptoms, treatment
The symptoms of kennel cough are:
The best way to treat kennel cough is with rest, hydration and good nutrition. If your dog is more severely affected, your vet may prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and coughing. If they have a bacterial infection, antibiotics may help shorten the course of the disease.
In the unlikely event that the infection causes your dog to develop pneumonia, they will need to be hospitalised at your vet’s practice for more intensive treatment. It’s a good idea to discuss costs with your vet before you start treatment.
To prevent spreading the disease, dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs until they’re better and no longer contagious. Follow your vet’s advice to get an idea of when it’s safe for your dog to mix with others again.
Your dog may act differently depending on how poorly kennel cough is making them feel. In mild cases, dogs usually remain active and eating normally. In more severe cases your dog may have a lack of appetite, tiredness, reluctance to move and may whine lots. Because they won’t be getting their usual walks your dog will become bored, so be sure to keep them entertained with play, enrichment toys and fun ways of feeding them.
Although kennel cough cannot be fully prevented, vaccinations can reduce the severity of the infection. Most kennels will require proof of vaccination prior to a stay.
If your dog has been around other dogs, including in kennels, keep an eye and ear out for the signs mentioned above, particularly if you have more than one dog.
With any cough your dog may have, it’s best to get your vet to check things over and make a plan with you from there.
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