How does kennel cough spread

Find out below what you can do to prevent an outbreak in your kennel or home. Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper-respiratory infection seen in dogs of all ages. Kennel cough is a general term used for the infection that can be caused by canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, or Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.

Although kennel cough is seen in dogs of all ages, it is most severe in puppies less than 6 months old and in immune-compromised dogs. Most dogs that become ill with kennel cough will get better without any medical treatment in to days, although some develop a more severe form and need medical attention.

Some signs that your dog may be developing a more severe case or have something more concerning, such as canine influenza, are: fever, colored nasal discharge, lethargy, lack of appetite, and increased effort when breathing. If you believe that your dog has contracted kennel cough, it is best to consult with your veterinarian, as some cases require medication. Dogs come in contact with kennel cough from being in crowded conditions, such as boarding kennels, training facilities, and dog shows.

If a dog is exposed to kennel cough, he usually begins to show signs in three-to-seven days. 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.

Read our advice: vaccinating your dog during the pandemic. What is kennel cough? Symptoms of kennel cough Symptoms of kennel cough usually take days to develop and then last for 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. Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. Treating kennel cough Most dogs with kennel cough can be treated at home without medication and recover within 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. 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. 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 weeks after their symptoms have cleared.

During this time, keep them away from other dogs and public spaces. Some serious complications of pneumonia may include:. People with underlying medical conditions are most at risk. The best way to protect against kennel cough is to make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations. Many illnesses cannot be transferred from animal to human, but your pet can still infect you with salmonella, ringworm, E. However, experts say this human-to-animal…. If you have severe asthma, living with pets can be challenging, especially if their dander triggers your symptoms.

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Symptoms usually start within 3 and 10 days of exposure. The classic symptom is a persistent dry hacking cough , like a goose honk.

Some dogs have a reduced appetite if they have a fever , or may have other symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose or discharge from their eyes. Although Kennel Cough can sound terrible and the cough can be very forceful, even causing them to bring up phlegm, most of the time it is not a serious condition.

Please always check with a Vet and never self medicate using human drugs. As Kennel Cough is highly contagious to other dogs, it is advised that you keep your dog away from other dogs for around two weeks, but this can vary depending on the severity of the infection.