In more severe cases, or if left untreated, kennel cough can cause decreased appetite, lethargy, depression, and fever.

When should I worry about kennel cough?

Contact your vet right away if you spot any of the following: Coughing continues for more than seven days. Your dog loses their appetite. They develop a fever (this usually means they become lethargic)

What are signs kennel cough is getting worse?

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 ...

What does a bad case of kennel cough look like?

Common clinical signs include a loud cough, often described as a 'goose honk', runny eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and depressed behavior. Most dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough when the throat is rubbed or palpated or during and after exercise.

What happens if kennel cough goes untreated?

Is kennel cough dangerous or life-threatening? While a nuisance, kennel cough is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all. But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia.

How To Spot and Treat Kennel Cough In Dogs | Vets4Pets

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.

What can be mistaken for kennel cough?

Canine Influenza can sometimes be mistaken for kennel cough. If you are not sure which your dog has, check with a vet.

What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?

Just like a head cold in humans, kennel cough in dogs can be treated best with rest, fluid, and time. Encourage your dog to take it easy for a couple of weeks and drink plenty of water (or clear, unseasoned broth) to stay hydrated. Wet food may help during this time, too.

How do you know if kennel cough turns into pneumonia?

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.

What are the last stages of kennel cough?

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.

Do dogs feel sick with kennel cough?

Complicated cases of kennel cough can cause your dog to become very sick. A dog with severe kennel cough will most likely be coughing, acting very lethargic, and not wanting to eat or drink.

How long is too long for kennel cough?

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.

Will Benadryl help dog coughing?

Coughing: Some pet owners give their dogs Benadryl if they are coughing. There are countless reasons why a dog might start coughing, and Benadryl is a helpful cough suppressant. Remember to talk to a professional to get to the root of why your dog is coughing so much.

Is kennel cough painful for dogs?

Most dogs recover just fine from the condition, although many will be quite uncomfortable from the associated coughing and sore throat while the disease is active. In rare cases, the disease can progress to pneumonia, which actually may lead to death.

Does kennel cough get worse before it gets better?

Sometimes, symptoms worsen before getting better, even if you've visited the vet for treatment. This is because respiratory infections need time to run their course. Eventually, your dog's cough will subside, but sometimes the hack will linger around longer. In severe cases, secondary infections may develop.

Can I leave my dog alone with kennel cough?

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.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia in dogs?

These four stages of pneumonia are congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution, respectively.

How do I clean my house after kennel cough?

Care Biocide Plus has been tested against Bordatella Bronchiseptica and has been found to be effective against this common bacterial culprit implicated in Kennel Cough at 1 ounce per gallon of water in a high soil load and high hardness water. All hard surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected with Biocide Plus.

How long should I quarantine my dog with kennel cough?

How long to isolate? As the infection is highly contagious, it's really important to keep your dog away from other dogs and public areas where other dogs may visit. You should isolate your dog while they are showing symptoms, and then for 2 - 3 weeks afterwards, to ensure your dog doesn't spread the virus.

What does a mild case of kennel cough look like?

The most common signs are typically mild and include a cough (especially when pressure is applied to the trachea or windpipe), sneezing and eye discharge. The cough can often sound like the dog is retching or it could be described as dry and hacking.

How do you tell if it is kennel cough or collapsed trachea?

Clinical signs

The most common sign of tracheal collapse is a persistent, harsh and dry cough, sometimes described as a “goose-honking” cough. The signs may progress to a wheezing noise when breathing in, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing, gums or tongue turning blue, or fainting.

How do I know if my dog has a collapsed trachea or kennel cough?

The most obvious sign of a collapsed trachea is the honking cough, but your vet will need to perform a complete physical exam and run certain tests to rule out other conditions. These tests might include: Chest x-rays. Fluoroscopy (a moving x-ray while the dog is breathing)

Does kennel cough just run its course?

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.

What does a pneumonia cough sound like in dogs?

A hallmark sign of pneumonia is a deep, soft cough that may not be productive, meaning your pet may or may not cough up mucus. The lung sounds of pets with pneumonia may sound loud and harsh or may be soft, as air is not circulating through areas of lung tissue affected by pneumonia.

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