Is there a treatment for kennel cough? – In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks. To aid recovery, make sure your home is well ventilated and avoid using a collar and lead, as any pulling might aggravate the wind pipe further – a harness is a better option on walks.
Contents
- 1 What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?
- 2 Can I walk my dog with kennel cough?
- 3 Do dogs feel unwell after kennel cough?
- 4 What happens if kennel cough is left untreated?
- 5 How long does the worst part of kennel cough last?
- 6 How do you soothe kennel cough?
- 7 Can I still cuddle with my dog with kennel cough?
What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?
7 Tips for Caring for a Dog With Kennel Cough Dog Care — Pet Hospital Dog Treatment in Citrus Heights, CA Kennel cough is a fairly common health condition among dogs and accompanied by a dry, hacking cough. Dogs with this illness may cough all day, especially if they are doing extra activity. Although it can be quite a nuisance, kennel cough is rarely life-threatening.
If your dog was diagnosed with this cough, you should make him as comfortable as possible. Here are seven useful tips for caring for a dog with kennel cough. Honey is beneficial for dogs with kennel cough because it contains many antioxidants, enzymes and flavonoids. If you give your dog Manuka honey, it may relieve his symptoms and make him feel better.
The amount of honey you give your dog will depend on his size. Large dogs need one tablespoon of honey a day, while medium dogs require two teaspoons. Smaller dogs only need one teaspoon of honey a day. If your dog does not want to eat honey, you could try mixing it in with one of his treats.
- Another way to make your dog feel more comfortable is to put a humidifier next to his bed.
- It will add moisture to the air, helping soothe your dog’s dry cough.
- If your pooch has kennel cough, it’s especially important to make sure he drinks enough water.
- It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster.
If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes. Also, think about adding some chicken broth to your dog’s water to make it more flavorful. While your furry family member is recovering from kennel cough, you should keep him away from smoke and other irritants.
- If these chemicals get into your dog’s airways, they can aggravate the cough.
- If you are a smoker, you should smoke far away from your dog.
- If you want to clean your house, you should put your dog in a separate room until you are done.
- Households cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that may make your dog’s cough worse.
Exposing your dog to steam can loosen up the gunk in his throat, relieving his cough. When it is time for you to take a shower, let your dog sit in the bathroom with you. Leave him in the bathroom for about 30 minutes. The steam might make your dog hot, so have a bowl of water in the bathroom for him to drink.
Adequate rest is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest. If your dog is coughing up a storm, you may consider giving him a cough suppressant such as Robitussin.
This medicine is only intended to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian’s approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog. If you follow these tips, you can help your dog recover from kennel cough and become healthy again.
How long does it take dogs to recover from kennel cough?
The Facts
Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), more familiarly known as “kennel cough,” is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract in dogs. All breeds and ages are susceptible but as the name “kennel cough” suggests, dogs at particular risk are those exposed to settings where multiple dogs are typically gathered or housed, such as kennels, shelters, and daycare facilities. Several different types of bacteria and viruses can contribute to CIRDC, and dogs can be infected by two or more of these organisms at the same time. A few of the more commonly involved organisms include Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium) as well as canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2. Because the virus is airborne, normal cleaning and disinfecting of kennel surfaces cannot eliminate it.
Symptoms
The classic sign of CIRDC is a frequent, honking cough that comes on suddenly. This cough has also been described as gagging or retching, and it can involve froth that looks like vomit. Coughing generally worsens with activity or exercise, which can irritate the airways. Not all dogs with CIRDC will have a cough. Other common signs include sneezing and a runny nose or eyes. In most cases of CIRDC, the illness is mild, and dogs fully recover within 7 to 10 days. However, depending on the infecting organism(s) and the dog’s ability to fight them, some dogs may develop more severe signs like lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, productive cough, and rapid or labored breathing, which can signal that bacteria have infected the lungs (bacterial pneumonia) and immediate veterinary attention is needed.
How is CIRDC spread?
Most dogs with CIRDC are contagious before they start showing signs. Because of this, the disease can be difficult to control. It can spread rapidly, leading to outbreaks—particularly in multiple-dog settings. Some CIRDC-associated organisms are also quite hardy, able to survive in the environment for weeks, making controlling spread of infection even more challenging. Dogs can catch CIRDC through close or direct contact (e.g., licking or nuzzling) with infected dogs, breathing in cough or sneeze droplets from infected dogs, and exposure to droplet-contaminated items such as toys, bedding, people’s hands, or water bowls. The risk of infection is especially high when dogs are in close contact with other infected dogs for long periods of time. If you suspect your dog has CIRDC, it is important to stop the disease from spreading by keeping the dog away from other dogs until fully recovered.
Solutions
There is no special drug for dogs with CIRDC. The treatment approach depends on how sick the dog is. Most mildly affected dogs will quickly make a full recovery with basic supportive care aimed at avoiding situations that promote coughing and irritate airways. This means encouraging the dog to rest and avoiding excitement and neck leashes. Dogs with more severe illness may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce fever and inflammation) and fluids (to treat dehydration). Antibiotics are not usually necessary or recommended unless there are signs of bacterial pneumonia, including illness that lasts more than 10 days. In rare instances, dogs with severe disease may also need intensive supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation. Keep dogs in a relatively warm environment and make sure they are rested to help prevent the development of pneumonia. Prevent the spread of this disease by keeping your dog away from other dogs.
Important to know Not every cough is “kennel cough.” Some dogs bark almost continuously while sheltered, which can lead to a sore throat or many other upper-respiratory diseases. Dogs in which canine distemper virus is one of the infecting organisms may also have gastrointestinal signs (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea), hardened footpads, and, as the disease progresses, neurologic signs (e.g., head tilt or circling behavior).
What are the stages of kennel cough?
Symptoms of kennel cough usually take 3-5 days to develop after exposure. The classic honking, hacking cough which is often followed by a big retch at the end, lasts for one to two weeks in an average case.
How do I know when kennel cough is over?
Everything You Need to Know About “Kennel Cough” Pneumonia Everything You Need to Know About “Kennel Cough” Pneumonia Kennel cough is a highly infectious respiratory condition which occurs in dogs mostly after they share airspace and contaminated surfaces with kennel cough infectious secretions.
- Symptoms and severity can vary greatly and is correlated with a dog’s age.
- Ennel cough can be life-threatening in very young or very old dogs.
- What is kennel cough? Kennel cough is the name given to a syndrome caused by viruses and bacteria with the main symptom being a hacking cough.
- The “kennel” component of the name stems from the fact that most dogs are infected in a group setting sharing airspace and surfaces.
The name kennel cough is all-encompassing because multiple bacteria or viruses can cause the cough. The most frequent bugs are Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. In young dogs, viral infection can predispose the lungs to bacterial invasion and true pneumonia results.
- Ennel Cough Symptoms Kennel cough usually results in mild symptoms, mild or no pneumonia, and it resolves within 5 to 7 days.
- Severe symptoms in combination with poor appetite could indicate pneumonia, or inflammation and consolidation of the lung tissue, a complication of kennel cough.
- This disease can be difficult to distinguish from pneumonia associated with canine distemper virus, which can attack the nervous system after causing respiratory signs.
Young animals can also develop pneumonia because of an abnormal immune system or an inability to respond to an infection. Specific diagnostic tests can be required in these instances. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia in dogs may include a moist or productive cough, rapid respiratory (breathing) rate, nasal discharge, loud breathing sounds, malaise/depression, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss.
These signs of illness and the presence of a moist cough for more than 2 or 3 days should prompt consultation with your veterinarian. Young animals in particular can become dehydrated easily because of a combination of fever and lack of water intake. Kennel Cough Sound Many pet owners are first alerted to a potential kennel cough because their dog produces different sounds than usual.
A kennel cough sounds like your dog has something stuck in their throat and is trying hard to swallow. It resembles a hacking cough and your dog may emit a “honking” sound. How is kennel cough spread? Kennel cough is very contagious and can easily spread when dogs are in a group setting when dogs are sharing the same airspace.
Adult, healthy dogs usually experience symptoms like a bad cough and runny nose for a few dogs, but kennel cough can be life-threatening in puppies and senior dogs. Kennel Cough Treatment A complete blood count (CBC) is used to evaluate the body’s response to infection by assessing the numbers and types of white cells present.
The total number of white cells is usually increased in a dog or cat with pneumonia. Increased neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) are exposed when bacteria are the cause of pneumonia. Parasites or a hypersensitivity response can cause an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and fungal infection usually results in increases in both neutrophils and monocytes (another white blood cell).
Your veterinarian may also elect to perform a blood chemical profile and urinalysis to make sure that the liver and kidneys are functioning properly prior to therapy. Chest x-rays are always recommended when pneumonia is suspected. The x-ray pattern helps determine the most likely cause of pneumonia and also assesses the severity of the disease.
Depending on the changes that are seen on x-ray and your animal’s general health, your veterinarian may recommend light sedation or anesthesia to obtain samples from the airway for culture and analysis. Airway sampling through a tracheal wash or bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage may be offered.
Most animals with pneumonia usually require initial treatment in the hospital. This is particularly true when your pet is dehydrated or requires oxygen therapy because supportive care is important in aiding resolution of pneumonia. In addition to these treatments, animals often receive “nebulization” and “coupage” therapy to remove excessive secretions from the lung and improve breathing.
This type of therapy is achieved by supplying moisture-laden air to your dog or cat in a closed environment and then lightly tapping the chest with a cupped hand to loosen mucus. Sometimes this therapy is also required when animals are discharged from the hospital.
- Ultrasonic nebulizers can be purchased for home use from a hospital supply company or respiratory therapy unit.
- Because the mechanical removal of mucus and infectious organisms is so important in animals with pneumonia, cough suppressants should not be used early in the course of disease because infectious secretions can become trapped in the airways and worsen pneumonia.
Kennel Cough Antibiotics Bacterial pneumonia requires treatment with specific antibiotics that are directed against the organisms isolated from the lung. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) antibiotics are used, which then can be changed to oral medications once the animal’s clinical condition is improved.
All antibiotics prescribed must be administered to your pet for the full course of treatment. Before stopping any medications, please consult with your veterinarian. Any medication used to treat pneumonia can be associated with side effects such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Kennel Cough Vaccine There is a Bordetella vaccine which can help protect your dog from this bacterium.
It’s administered either via injection or intra-nasally. It’s widely available and can help prevent the most common type of kennel cough. However, keep in mind that there are other types of bacteria and virus that can cause kennel cough, so it does not result in a 100 percent guarantee against kennel cough.
Can I walk my dog with kennel cough?
Is it okay to walk a dog with kennel cough? – Dogs can carry the kennel cough infection for two weeks before showing symptoms, during which time it’s likely you’ll be walking your dog as normal. As soon as you notice your dog coughing, you should start your isolation period, keeping them away from other dogs, and avoiding walks altogether to help curb the spread.
- Lots of rest will help with your dog get better quickly.
- Walking during this time can actually prolong their recovery, so keeping them settled at home is best.
- If you have a garden, it’s fine to let them potter around outside, but only if there are no other dogs using the space.
- Use your time at home to prioritise a little emotional or spiritual wellbeing – whether that’s through lots of cuddles, a doggy massage, or spending some time bathing in the sunniest spot of the house, it’s sure to make them (and you) feel more rested.
Keep in contact with your vet and follow their advice. If after an isolation period of two weeks, your dog is no longer coughing or sneezing, they may give you the go ahead for short dog lead walks in areas where you’re less likely to come into contact with other dogs.
Can I leave my dog alone with kennel cough?
What is kennel cough? – Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a dry hacking cough in dogs. Similar to human colds, kennel cough can be caused by a number of different germs (viruses and bacteria). It’s most common in areas where lots of different dogs gather (such as kennels, dog shows and doggy day care) and can survive in the environment for several weeks.
How painful is kennel cough in dogs?
Signs of kennel cough – One of the challenges of keeping a dog with a kennel cough away from other dogs is that it’s not always possible to tell that they have it. A dog can carry kennel cough and show no symptoms at all yet still pass on the infectious organisms to other dogs.
- As such, a dog might seem safe for your pet to interact with and still be carrying kennel cough.
- Not much you can do in that case.
- Other dogs will present more symptoms.
- The most common symptom is a dry, hacking cough.
- This may be followed by gagging or retching.
- It will be irritating for your dog and may even hurt her throat.
It can sound far worse than it is so try not to panic if your dog does start to show this symptom. In most cases, this cough is completely harmless and will go away within a couple of weeks. Still you should have your dog checked out by your veterinarian as there are other causes of coughing that are more serious.
- Make sure you call or otherwise notify them you are coming in so they can take precautions to prevent infection of other dogs in the hospital.
- On rare occasions, this condition can lead to further complications.
- Some dogs may develop a fever and seem lethargic.
- However, you still don’t have to worry too much about the impact of this condition.
With treatment, a dog will still recover. In extremely rare cases, this condition can lead to something far more sinister which is pneumonia. Pneumonia may develop due to your dog’s weakened immune system. However, it is important to understand that this is incredibly rare.
Do dogs feel unwell after kennel cough?
Kennel Cough Advice My Pets Vets Leigh Kennel cough is an infectious condition which causes a harsh cough in affected dogs. Most cases are not serious but can make your dog feel poorly for a few days before resolving. A few unlucky patients may cough continuously and feel really under the weather for a few weeks. Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads easily through airborne droplets. This means that dogs that are kept closely together (in kennels, doggy day care centres, parks, across garden fences, vet’s waiting rooms etc) can spread the infection between themselves easily. It is also possible for a dog to pick up kennel cough without meeting an infected dog if they walk in the same area.
Can humans catch kennel cough?
Things to remember about kennel cough – Because kennel cough is contagious to humans, catching kennel cough from a dog is possible. However, the people most at risk are those with an underlying medical condition. Even then, it is still unlikely to develop symptoms.
Is the first day of kennel cough the worst?
The first few days are the worst. The cough will often be triggered by things like barking, pulling on the lead, getting excited or going out in cold air. Symptoms generally resolve over about 7–10 days. To prevent spread, try to keep your dog isolated from other dogs while he has active symptoms.
Does kennel cough just run its course?
Here are six things to know about kennel cough: –
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Concurrent viral and/or bacterial infections may be present as well. After your dog is exposed, he/she may develop infection of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, typically leading to the development of a deep, hoarse cough. Oftentimes, there may be a productive retch (white foamy fluid) associated with the end of the coughing episode. Kennel cough is usually mild. Your dog may continue with normal activities; the disease will generally run its course and improve within a few weeks. More severe cases could last longer and should be treated by your family veterinarian. Look for fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite as additional symptoms that indicate a more severe case. Some dogs may require treatment with antimicrobials and cough suppressants. A small proportion of dogs may develop bacterial pneumonia and require more extensive hospitalization and treatment. Vaccination is very effective to either prevent the disease or lessen the severity of the clinical signs. The immunity to vaccination is short-lived therefore booster immunization is required to maintain a protective benefit.
If you are concerned that your pet is coughing extensively or has been ill for some time, you should consult your family veterinarian right away. If your veterinarian is unavailable, head to your, By | Posted InPet Owners | TaggedEmergency Care, Pet Tips : Six Things to Know About Kennel Cough and Your Pet
What happens if kennel cough is left untreated?
What You Really Need To Know About Kennel Cough We have seen a massive influx of calls, messages and appointment requests lately from owners worrying that their dog has contracted Kennel Cough Being your pet care professionals, we decided it was time for an educational PSA about this infamous Kennel Cough.
- Helllllooooo Spring! With moisture in the air, new plants starting to spout, bacteria thriving in this Spring weather, brings on a lot of itchy, scratchy, throat tickling, coughing pets.
- About 40% of the worried owners coming into Pawsh thinking their pets have contracted Kennel Cough, they are actually experiencing seasonal allergies! Yes, just like humans, pets are affected by seasonal changes too, yuck! Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get into some Kennel Cough facts.
Kennel cough is an all-encompassing term used to depict a multitude of highly contagious respiratory illness. Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is easily spread from dog to dog through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and, toys, or kennel runs — a bit like how the common cold is spread in child daycare.
- Coughing – very strong, often with a “honking” noise
- Hacking up “white foam”
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Low fever
Bordetella is the vaccine your dog will receive when they get their first puppy shots to help boost their immunity from the Kennel Cough virus. Since Kennel Cough is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS it is recommended that your dog will need to get it re-administered every single year.
The tricky thing about the Bordetella vaccine, just like the human Flu vaccine, is that it does not protect against all strains of the bacteria found in some Kennel Cough cases. Which is why your dog can contract Kennel Cough even though he/she is currently vaccinated. Your dog IS protected from the Bordetella bacterial infection with this vaccine, which is the most contagious upper respiratory infection caused but is not protected from the wide range of them all.
If your dog does contract Kennel Cough, your vet will prescribe antibiotics in order to prevent a secondary bacterial infection, and to not to evolve into the more serious conditions like having decreased appetite & high fever. Kennel cough symptoms start about 5 days after being exposed to the virus and lasts around 1 week but it is then recommended not to go anywhere with your pup for 1 more week after that.
- Humans know that when they have a cold, to prevent it from becoming more serious, we need to rest, eat more and stay hydrated your dog on the other hand, doesn’t know any better.
- A responsible boarding and grooming facility will require your dog to have a current Bordetella vaccine (along with other vaccines) in order to receive their services.
The experienced staff should also be asking all pet owners if their pets’ have been experiencing any symptoms of Kennel Cough during the time of check-in. Every facility should also have a bacterial disinfection protocol in place and you as an owner should feel confident in asking what exactly that is.
- If you are concerned that your pet is experiencing any symptoms listed above, please contact your pet care professional and have your pet seen!
- To book your pets’ Pawsh appointment, or if you have any questions about Kennel Cough or anything related please follow this link —>
- We are here to help!
- -Team Pawsh
: What You Really Need To Know About Kennel Cough
Can kennel cough go away in one day?
How is kennel cough treated? – There is no specific treatment for viral infections, but many of the more severe signs are due to bacterial involvement, particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica, Antibiotics, such as doxycycline and amoxicillin, are helpful against this bacterium.
- Enrofloxacin and azithromycin are also effective but less commonly used due to concerns about developing antibiotic resistance.
- Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks.
- Mild clinical signs may linger for several weeks, even when the bacteria have been eliminated.
Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications may sometimes provide relief, though they are not often necessary. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment methods for your dog.
Can kennel cough go away in 24 hours?
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last? Kennel cough can affect different dogs in different ways, largely depending on the exact cause of the illness. Either bacteria or a virus may cause it. A mild case can be resolved within about six days if it is caused by the parainfluenza virus.
- However, if the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria has infected the dog, then the illness may last longer.
- In this case, the symptoms can persist for about 10 days.
- It is also possible for a dog to develop kennel cough and be infected by both the Bordetella bacteria and the parainfluenza virus.
- If this happens, then the dog will likely be sick for about 14 to 20 days.
In addition, some dogs may contract it after having a bout with the canine flu, the distemper virus, or the Mycoplasma canis. These dogs may be at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia as a secondary infection after developing kennel cough. This will result in a more prolonged illness.
- In addition, a dog that has originally contracted the viral form of kennel cough may later contract a secondary bacterial infection.
- This will require additional treatment, and it will likely lengthen the total recovery time.
- There can be considerable variations in the healing time from one dog to the next, depending on a dog’s state of health before the infection.
A dog who is in good overall health before the infection will typically have an easier time fighting off the illness than a dog who is in poor health. Dogs in young adulthood also tend to have an easier time coping with infections, especially when compared to very young puppies, as well as senior dogs.
How long does the worst part of kennel cough last?
How long do the symptoms of Kennel Cough last? – The symptoms of kennel cough can last up to a month, although they often last two or three weeks. The symptoms are usually more severe in the first week, when your dog might have very regular coughing fits, with retching and gagging.
- They might also have a high temperature, runny eyes, or sneezing.
- They shouldn’t have labored breathing, though, so if you notice this symptom, you should contact a veterinarian right away in case the infection has started to spread to the lungs.
- Towards the end of their recovery, they may only cough once in twenty-four hours and should be eating, drinking, and behaving normally.
If your dog has kennel cough, you shouldn’t walk them around other dogs until they have been clear of symptoms for two days.
How long is quarantine for kennel cough?
How long is kennel cough contagious? – In general, dogs who have kennel cough are no longer contagious after 10-14 days. This window can be shortened if antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection.
How do you soothe kennel cough?
Add Honey to Warm Water – Honey can be a great home remedy for kennel cough as it can help soothe your dog’s throat and minimize coughing. You can give your dog 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl. This can be offered up to three times a day depending on how often your dog is coughing.
Does kennel cough get worse before it gets better?
What if symptoms aren’t getting better? – Most cases resolve in somewhere between one and three weeks. Coughing can last for multiple months if it is a more severe case or mixed with something like the influenza virus. Sometimes, symptoms worsen before getting better, even if you’ve visited the vet for treatment.
Can I still cuddle with my dog with kennel cough?
Can humans catch kennel cough? – Kennel cough is technically a zoonotic risk which means it can be spread from animals to humans, but the likelihood is incredibly low. The risk of infection is very small unless you’re already ill or particularly young, but it’s still best not to cuddle up to poorly pups — no matter how cute! If you’ve been around a dog with kennel cough symptoms and are concerned for your health, the experts at Vet Advice Line recommend contacting your GP.
What can I give my dog to ease kennel cough?
Is there a treatment for kennel cough? – In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks. To aid recovery, make sure your home is well ventilated and avoid using a collar and lead, as any pulling might aggravate the wind pipe further – a harness is a better option on walks.
What kills kennel cough virus?
How is kennel cough treated? – There is no specific treatment for viral infections, but many of the more severe signs are due to bacterial involvement, particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica, Antibiotics, such as doxycycline and amoxicillin, are helpful against this bacterium.
- Enrofloxacin and azithromycin are also effective but less commonly used due to concerns about developing antibiotic resistance.
- Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks.
- Mild clinical signs may linger for several weeks, even when the bacteria have been eliminated.
Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications may sometimes provide relief, though they are not often necessary. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment methods for your dog.
Can kennel cough go away in 24 hours?
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last? | TriStar Vet Kennel cough can affect different dogs in different ways, largely depending on the exact cause of the illness. Either bacteria or a virus may cause it. A mild case can be resolved within about six days if it is caused by the parainfluenza virus.
However, if the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria has infected the dog, then the illness may last longer. In this case, the symptoms can persist for about 10 days. It is also possible for a dog to develop kennel cough and be infected by both the Bordetella bacteria and the parainfluenza virus. If this happens, then the dog will likely be sick for about 14 to 20 days.
In addition, some dogs may contract it after having a bout with the canine flu, the distemper virus, or the Mycoplasma canis. These dogs may be at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia as a secondary infection after developing kennel cough. This will result in a more prolonged illness.
- In addition, a dog that has originally contracted the viral form of kennel cough may later contract a secondary bacterial infection.
- This will require additional treatment, and it will likely lengthen the total recovery time.
- There can be considerable variations in the healing time from one dog to the next, depending on a dog’s state of health before the infection.
A dog who is in good overall health before the infection will typically have an easier time fighting off the illness than a dog who is in poor health. Dogs in young adulthood also tend to have an easier time coping with infections, especially when compared to very young puppies, as well as senior dogs.