One of the most frequent canine illnesses, kennel cough is particularly prevalent in dogs who spend significant amounts of time in crowded environments like animal shelters and boarding facilities. Some signs of kennel cough in dogs include a hacking cough, eye discharge, and a runny nose. If your dog has just developed kennel cough, you may give them one of many treatments available.
Generally speaking, kennel cough isn’t a life-threatening disease. Kennel cough is not usually deadly, and your dog will get well with time and medication. However, kennel cough may lead to serious consequences and can be treated to reduce the duration of an illness. This is why, if your dog shows signs of kennel cough, a trip to the clinic is in order.
Here you’ll find more information on kennel cough and how to treat it at home, so keep reading if you’re interested.
Can You Explain Kennel Cough?
Inflammation of the trachea due to an infection is what causes kennel cough in dogs. Canine adenovirus, canine influenza virus, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine distemper virus are just a few of the viruses that can cause this infection. Because kennel cough is often spread from dog to dog, boarding and training facilities may increase the risk of contracting the disease for canines. It is also more likely to spread in dogs who are already sensitive to kennel cough. Kennel cough may afflict canines of any age.
Kennel cough manifests itself in a number of ways, including a harsh, noisy cough, a runny nose, sneezing, listlessness, anorexia, and a slight temperature. Even though your dog may show any number of these signs if they have kennel cough, the coughing is the most telltale. In most cases, kennel cough may be diagnosed after a veterinarian reviews your dog’s medical history, observes the dog’s current symptoms, and does a physical exam.
Fortunately, kennel cough in dogs is seldom seen as a life-threatening illness. It’s true that kennel cough sometimes gets better on its own. Nevertheless, if your dog has kennel cough, you should take them to the clinic right away since the condition may develop into something much more dangerous if not addressed.
Cure for Canine Cough
While some dogs recover from kennel cough on their own, it’s best to see a vet right immediately to reduce the risk of complications and get your dog well again as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the infection, a number of different treatments are available for kennel cough.
Comfort Care
Simply put, your dog needs general care to help it fight off the infection and recover. Relaxation, nourishment, and hydration are all part of this kind of supportive treatment. This supportive care may go a long way toward helping your dog get well, since, like humans, they need time to relax and recuperate while coping with an illness.
Providing enough diet and water for your dog is just as important as giving it plenty of rest. If your dog has kennel cough, you should talk to your vet about making sure he or she is receiving enough to eat and drink.
Medicines to Control a Cough
Some dogs may also benefit from using cough suppressants as a mild kennel cough treatment option. Since coughing is a common sign of kennel cough, these medications may be very helpful in relieving the condition. However, before treating your dog at home for kennel cough with cough suppressants or any other medicine, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Antibiotics
Kennel cough in dogs is usually treated with cough suppressants, although in severe situations antibiotics may be required. Treatment with antibiotics is an important first step in curing your dog’s kennel cough. On the other hand, the severity of your dog’s kennel cough will determine whether or not your vet recommends antibiotics. Your dog’s health depends on your taking all of the recommended medications, therefore it’s crucial that you discuss this with your doctor and follow their directions to the letter.
Hospitalization
Some instances of kennel cough in dogs are so severe that they need to be treated in a veterinary hospital. When a dog’s respiratory problems from kennel cough become serious, veterinary care in a hospital is usually necessary. To help your dog breathe easier, a vet may recommend oxygen treatment. In addition, intravenous fluids may be necessary to keep your dog hydrated.
In spite of the fact that hospitalization due to kennel cough is not frequent, it is possible if the condition is not addressed. You should always see a veterinarian if your dog develops a severe cough or shows other signs of kennel cough.
Preventative Measures for Kennel Cough
You may lessen the likelihood that your dog will get kennel cough by following both treatment protocols and prevention measures. The best way to protect your dog from catching kennel cough is to have them vaccinated against parainfluenza, distemper, and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2). Vaccinating your dog against kennel cough is an excellent way to lessen the likelihood that your dog may get the disease.
Your dog should avoid boarding facilities, training groups, and other big groups of dogs if he or she is at risk for contracting kennel cough or developing medical difficulties as a consequence of it. By keeping your dog away from these gatherings, you may reduce the likelihood that he or she will get kennel cough.
How to Treat Kennel Cough: Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can kennel cough be treated?
When a dog has a kennel cough, the best approach to get rid of it quickly is to give it plenty of rest, water, and healthy food. Ask your vet what you can do to help your dog feel better if he or she has a kennel cough. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the severity of your dog’s kennel cough and provide a recommendation as to whether or not supportive care, including rest and fluids, or hospitalization and antibiotics, are necessary.
To what extent does kennel cough affect the dog’s quality of life?
Dogs usually recover from kennel cough in two to three weeks with medication. Kennel cough medication may assist hasten the dog’s recovery, but it’s important to remember that the whole time it takes for the cough to go away depends on a number of variables. In addition, some dogs with kennel cough may actually worsen if not treated, so this is not an illness you want to try to cure on your own. One of the first things you should do if you suspect your dog has kennel cough is to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
When my dog comes home with kennel cough, what should I do?
Home remedies for kennel cough are not an easy matter. Each instance of kennel cough is unique in its severity, and some need veterinary attention. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect he or she has kennel cough. Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose kennel cough in your dog, assess its severity, and recommend a course of therapy. The best course of action for treating kennel cough at home is to adhere to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
When will kennel cough go away?
Whether your dog has kennel cough and its symptoms are mild or moderate, you shouldn’t wait to see if they improve on their own. During the incubation phase, kennel cough may spread rapidly from one pet to another because of its high contagiousness. Schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has kennel cough. Kennel cough in dogs may be treated with bed rest, fluids, and a proper diet. For severe instances of kennel cough, your vet may also suggest additional treatments like as antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or intravenous fluids. It’s crucial to take your dog to the doctor if you suspect kennel cough since the symptoms may vary widely from dog to dog.