If your dog has kennel cough, it can be quite distressing to witness. Kennel cough makes your dog generally miserable and lethargic. The cough itself is also loud and can sound quite concerning. Kennel cough can become quite serious if left untreated for a length of time and it also prevents your dog from being near other dogs until they have recovered.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease that occurs in puppies and dogs. It’s highly contagious and dogs tend to catch it at boarding kennels or off-lead dog parks. It’s easily treated, although puppies that are under 6 months old and dogs who haven’t been immunised can be at a higher risk of becoming severely unwell.

How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Kennel Cough?

There are some common symptoms associated with kennel cough, one of them being a ‘honking’ sound as your dog coughs. Other symptoms may include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny nose
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

How Can You Treat Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough can usually be treated like a common cold, where a fortnight of rest will be enough to recover completely. If symptoms persist then a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or a cough medication to ease the symptoms.

What Happens if Kennel Cough Isn’t Treated?

Generally, kennel cough will resolve itself on its own. However, if after 14 days your dog is still quite unwell, kennel cough may need to be resolved with antibiotics before it turns into something more serious.

What Else Do You Need to Do if Your Dog Has Kennel Cough?

To avoid re-infection or infection of other pets or dogs, you should separate your dog from other pets and keep their food and water bowls apart. Humans can’t catch kennel cough but other animals may become infected.

How Long Is Your Dog with Kennel Cough Confined for?

You should isolate your pet from other dogs for 14 days following the first symptoms of kennel cough. This is to be on the safe side as generally, dogs are only contagious for the first 7-10 days.

The team at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital understands, values, and respects the very special nature of the human-animal bond. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring that your pet is achieving the best quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your dog suffering kennel cough, contact us today.

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