What does a vet do for kennel cough

The basics

Kennel cough is the most common cause of canine upper respiratory tract disease
Like a human flu shot, the vaccine protects and lessens severity
You will hear a “honking” cough — dry, harsh and non-productive
Your dog might also be lethargic and eating poorly
There may or may not be nasal discharge
It can develop into pneumonia
Kennel cough spreads easily
Anti-tussives can help the dog rest

Prevention, exposure and recovery

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a collection of diseases that includes pathogens like bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, herpesvirus, adenovirus and mycoplasma.

Table of Contents Show

Highly social dogs benefit from vaccination
The basics
Prevention, exposure and recovery
What is kennel cough?
Symptoms of kennel cough
When to contact your vet
Treating kennel cough
Caring for a dog with kennel cough
How to prevent kennel cough
Can humans catch kennel cough?
Did you find this page useful?
Do I need to take my dog to the vet for kennel cough?
Do vets give anything for kennel cough?
How does vet check for kennel cough?
Can dogs recover from kennel cough on their own?

It’s associated with close-contact situations such as grooming facilities, animal shelters, competitions and parks. Transmission occurs via droplets released when dogs sneeze or cough, dog-to-dog contact and through contaminated items (door handles, food and water bowls). Typically, the incubation period lasts 2-10 days.

Normally, diagnosis is made with a physical exam and a history of exposure. While tests can identify each possible pathogen, unless something serious is suspected (such as distemper), a specific diagnosis is usually not pursued.

Most cases of kennel cough are caused by viral illnesses, so antibiotics are not warranted. However, in cases where the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, such as shelter situations, antibiotics may be prescribed. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline.

In cases where the coughing prevents rest, anti-tussives — such as hydrocodone, butorphanol or codeine — may be prescribed. Anti-inflammatories such as steroids and non-steroidals have been used in the past, but they do not shorten the course of disease, so their usage provides questionable benefit.

Usually the dog will recover within two weeks. In severe cases, however, pneumonia can develop and possibly become severe. Symptoms include labored breathing, a moist cough, high fever and nasal discharge. If pneumonia develops, more aggressive treatment is needed. This can sometimes include hospitalization for IV-provided antibiotics, oxygen therapy and fluids.

Vaccination is critical for prevention, and the vaccines are safe for puppies. Much like the flu virus in humans, a vaccine doesn’t prevent infection. Instead, it can lessen the severity of symptoms (such as the development of pneumonia) and the need for more aggressive, emergency care.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a lifestyle vaccine available for dogs at least 12 weeks old. It is recommended for dogs that board, visit the grooming salon or play at dog parks. Not every dog may need this vaccine, so you should discuss it with your veterinarian.

This article has been reprinted with permission from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DOGWatch Newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. Subscribe online to DOGWatch Newsletter here.

Overview

Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a nasty cough in dogs. More severe cases can occasionally result in symptoms such as a high temperature or a reduced appetite.
Call your vet for advice if you think your dog has kennel cough. Most dogs improve on their own, but some need treatment from a vet.
Dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs and public spaces (while they are showing symptoms and for two to three weeks afterwards), as this is where spread is most common.
The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate against it, especially if your dog mixes with lots of other dogs or spends time in kennels.

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. Kennel cough spreads by direct contact between dogs, in the air and on surfaces (such as food bowls and leads). Dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs and public spaces while they are coughing, and for two to three weeks afterwards.

Coughing is the most common symptom of kennel cough, but in more severe cases, it can cause symptoms such as a high temperature or a reduced appetite.

Symptoms of kennel cough

Symptoms of kennel cough usually take 3-14 days to develop and then last for 1-3 weeks. Most dogs develop a hacking cough and stay otherwise quite well, but puppies, older dogs, and poorly dogs can develop more serious symptoms such as:

A reduced appetite
Low energy (lethargy)
A high temperature (fever).

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread in the air. Click to enlarge.

When to contact your vet

There are many different conditions that can cause coughing so it’s a good idea to have your dog checked by your vet if they have a severe cough or have been coughing for more than a few days. When visiting your vet, make them aware that your dog has been coughing and wait outside until you are called to prevent spreading kennel cough to other dogs in the waiting room.

Treating kennel cough

Most dogs with kennel cough can be treated at home without medication and recover within 1-3 weeks. However, if your dog has a severe cough or appears unwell your vet may recommend:

Anti-inflammatories - to reduce airway inflammation and bring down a high temperature.
Antibiotics - antibiotics are very rarely prescribed for kennel cough because most case are caused by viruses (which don’t respond to antibiotics), but if your dog is very young, old or otherwise unwell, your vet may prescribe them as a precaution.

Caring for a dog with kennel cough

Rest and TLC - exercise can make a cough much worse; keep your dog warm, comfortable and allow them to rest as much as they need.
A steamy room - some dogs with kennel cough can benefit from sitting in a steamy room (perhaps while you have a shower/bath). Never leave your dog alone in a steamy room or force them to stay in it if they aren’t relaxed.
Keep your dog away from others - remember your dog will be very contagious whilst they are poorly and can continue to spread kennel cough for 2-3 weeks after their symptoms have cleared. During this time, keep them away from other dogs and public spaces.

How to prevent kennel cough

Vaccination is the best way to prevent kennel cough, and is especially necessary if your dog spends lots of time with other dogs or goes into kennels.

Kennel cough vaccine lasts 12 months - so should be repeated every year.
Like any vaccine, the kennel cough vaccine doesn’t give 100%, guaranteed protection, however, it does significantly reduce the chance that your dog will catch kennel cough and reduces symptoms if they do catch it.
Most reputable kennels and doggy day care centres will request that every dog has the kennel cough vaccination two to three weeks before staying with them.
Speak to your vet about adding kennel cough into your dog’s vaccine schedule.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

It’s extremely rare for humans or cats to catch kennel cough. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, it is best to contact your doctor, or the NHS for advice.

Published: June 2020

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Written by vets and vet nurses. This advice is for UK pets only. Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet for kennel cough?

A dog with Kennel Cough usually recovers quickly without treatment, but it's always best to visit your vet to make sure it's Kennel Cough they're suffering from, and not another condition.

Do vets give anything for kennel cough?

Steroids, cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to make your dog more comfortable. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill the Bordetella bacteria, a common cause of kennel cough, and may be used to prevent secondary infections from causing complications.

How does vet check for kennel cough?

Swabs can be taken to determine the exact virus or bacteria causing kennel cough – although this isn't always useful for treatment. If there are suspected complications, radiographs can be used to assess a dog's condition. If your dog is bright, perky, eating well and playful, you may not need to visit the vet.

Can dogs recover from kennel cough on their own?

Kennel cough can usually go away on its own – most cases will clear up within three weeks and shouldn't need any treatment at all. If your dog seems otherwise perky and is eating well, you should be able to use home remedies to make your dog more comfortable.

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