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What is kennel cough, and how can you treat it?
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Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) or “kennel cough” is a respiratory infection that is highly contagious in dogs. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It can give your pup a honking cough and cause them to feel like anything but themselves. So, how can you treat it, and are there ways to prevent your dog from catching this illness? Take a look at our complete guide on kennel cough below to learn about symptoms, treatment options, causes, and more.
Things You Should Know
- Kennel cough is an extremely contagious disease dogs can catch from drinking, eating, coughing, sneezing, or playing around other dogs.
- If you suspect your pup has kennel cough, bring them to the vet immediately. Treating kennel cough varies depending on severity, so an evaluation is needed.
- To help ease your dog's cough symptoms at home, feed them a combination of lemon juice and honey.
Steps
Section 2 of 7:
Kennel Cough Treatment
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Isolate your dog from other dogs if you suspect kennel cough. Kennel cough is highly contagious. Each time your dog coughs, they release aerosol particles that can spread illness. Because of this, if you think your dog has kennel cough, make sure to move them away from other dogs immediately. [5] X Research source
- Avoid walking your dog near other dogs or bringing them to dog parks.
- If you have more than 1 dog, they’re all likely to be exposed to kennel cough if only 1 pet shows symptoms.
- Call the veterinary clinic before bringing a possibly infected dog in, as the clinic may have safety procedures in place. [6] X Research source
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Take your dog to the vet immediately. It’s best to get any dog with a cough checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will be able to verify if your dog has kennel cough and how severe their case is. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source They can provide personalized treatment and help monitor your dog’s health, so they can start feeling better faster. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Your vet will likely perform a thorough physical examination, including taking your dog's temperature, feeling their throat, checking their inside mouth, and listening to their heart and lungs.
- If they feel it’s necessary, your vet may do blood work, chest x-rays, or a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay) to diagnose kennel cough.
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Administer antibiotics as instructed. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help treat kennel cough, especially if they have a fever or signs of pneumonia. [9] X Expert Source Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian Expert Interview. 5 March 2021. Give your dog the medication as instructed by your vet. [10] X Expert Source Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.- Antibiotics aren’t appropriate in every case. Some cases of kennel cough are viral, and antibiotics likely won’t help. This is why it’s best to always follow your vet’s instructions and care plan, as they know what’s best for your pup.
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Give your dog cough medicine, if advised. In mild cases of kennel cough, a cough suppressant may be prescribed by a vet to help calm your dog’s symptoms. While coughing helps move phlegm out of your dog’s chest, it may be upsetting and uncomfortable for them. Cough medicine can help ease your dog’s worries and pain, allowing them to sleep and recover faster. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Think of it like taking a cough drop when you have a cold. While coughing sometimes feels good, it can irritate your throat and make it harder to sleep. Cough suppressants work the same way for dogs as cough drops work for you!
- Never give your dog human cough or cold remedies before consulting your veterinarian first.
- Follow your vet’s instructions on how much and when to administer the cough suppressant to your dog.
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Ensure that your dog gets lots of rest. One of the best ways to treat kennel cough is with rest. The more your dog sleeps and relaxes, the more energy their body will have to fight the infection. So, reduce your dog's exercise to help them recover faster. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Skip afternoon playtime and let your dog rest.
- Do your best not to touch or move your dog’s toys, even if they bring them to you, as they’re more inclined to play if you handle the toys.
- Avoid taking your dogs on walks while they’re sick, as being in public places can put other dogs at risk.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan kennel cough go away on its own?Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.Yes, in fact, most of the time kennel cough with resolve itself without any treatment. However, this is only true in healthy dogs. If your dog has any underlying conditions, they may require treatment. In either case, it's worth taking your dog to a vet.
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QuestionWhat kills kennel cough?Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.There's a vaccine for kennel cough that will stop it in its tracks most of the time. However, it's not 100% effective since there are multiple bacterias and viruses that can cause kennel cough. Still, getting your dog vaccinated is a good first step.
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QuestionWhat medications do I need for my dog to get better?Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.You often don't need any medication at all, since kennel cough typically goes away on its own. If your dog has underlying condition or the cough is especially bad, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to combat the kennel cough.
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Tips
- Typically, if clinical signs of kennel cough are present for less than a week and your dog has normal appetite and energy levels, they may only need rest and general veterinary care as treatment. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Honey and ceylon (NOT cassia cinnamon) cinnamon will boost the immune system. It’s a good preventive, too, in smaller amounts. 1 tablespoon honey : 1 teaspoon ceylon cinnamon.
- A cough medicine recommended for kennel cough is Betonyl for children - 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
- Chicken broth will help to soothe your dogs throat and treat coughing.
- Give your dog Robitussin, it can also help.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dog care, check out our in-depth interview with Ray Spragley, DVM .
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132485/
- ↑ https://nebula.wsimg.com/db1585f3f7da6ee95d4854aad80495fe?AccessKeyId=720F0F9E11224D7D752D&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
- ↑ https://nebula.wsimg.com/db1585f3f7da6ee95d4854aad80495fe?AccessKeyId=720F0F9E11224D7D752D&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
- ↑ https://nebula.wsimg.com/db1585f3f7da6ee95d4854aad80495fe?AccessKeyId=720F0F9E11224D7D752D&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
- ↑ https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/kennel-cough/
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/kennel-cough
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-coughing-causes-treatment/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132485/
- ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 5 March 2021.
- ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132485/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/
- ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 22 December 2022.
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/
- ↑ https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/kennel-cough/
- ↑ https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/kennel-cough/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/
- ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
- ↑ Cameron Thompsen. Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 31 March 2022.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132485/
- ↑ Natalie Punt, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 22 December 2022.
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/kennel-cough
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/kennel-cough
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132485/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To treat kennel cough, start by isolating your dog from other dogs immediately, since kennel cough is contagious. Next, bring your pet to a veterinarian to confirm the illness and receive a treatment plan, which usually includes a round of oral antibiotics. You can ease your dog's discomfort and loosen any mucus in its chest by bringing it into a steamy bathroom for 5-10 minutes several times throughout the day. Make sure your dog rests as much as possible and avoid bringing it on its daily walks until the condition resolves. For tips on preventing kennel cough, read on!
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- "Right now, my mom and I are monitoring about our dog's condition. We were very nervous and didn't know what to do. Then, something came into my mind that our dog might have a cough. I researched about how to treat a dog's cough and how to know if your dog has a cough, then I saw this article. I read it and it really helps. And tomorrow, we will bring our dog to the vet's clinic for the check up. Thank you for giving information on what to do if our dogs are sick." ..." more
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"Right now, my mom and I are monitoring about our dog's condition. We were very nervous and didn't know what to do. Then, something came into my mind that our dog might have a cough. I researched about how to treat a dog's cough and how to know if your dog has a cough, then I saw this article. I read it and it really helps. And tomorrow, we will bring our dog to the vet's clinic for the check up. Thank you for giving information on what to do if our dogs are sick."
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"This article put my heart at ease while listening to the horrible hacking, choking sounds my dog was making, even though she's on an antibiotic. Knowing that can be normal with kennel cough is helpful. It is also very helpful to know there are other things I can do to make her comfortable, such as steam and honey lemon water."
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"We recently boarded our 3 dogs at the vet clinic. Unfortunately, so did a lot of other people. The vet clinic had a full house and kennel cough! We now have 3 very sick dogs! Your article was helpful. Did a virtual exam with the vet, and treating all 3."
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"My newly-adopted rescue dog developed that honk that really sounds like kennel cough. I'm reassured to know that it's common for shelter dogs, mild and treatable. She has a vet appointment for tomorrow morning to confirm. Thanks for the information!"
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"This article was helpful and explained it very well. I have an older dog and wondered if this is what she had. However, the cough still continues after one year, never getting any worse. The vet says she is just old now. I might get another opinion."
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