Socializing your dog with other animals is part of raising a happy, healthy pup. Unfortunately, kennels, doggy daycares, and other areas where canines congregate carry health risks. Kennel cough is a common disease that affects dogs that spend time in these spaces.
But what is kennel cough, and how do you prevent it? Read on to learn more about the condition and everything you need to know to keep your dog safe.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, or Bordetella, is an infectious respiratory disease in dogs. They can contract this illness while near other canines. This disease ranges in severity depending on the age of the dog.
What does kennel cough sound like in dogs? Below are some common signs of kennel cough:
- Hacking, coughing, or “honking”
- Excessive mucus in the nose and eyes
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
This illness is treatable with the correct methods, including rest and cough medications. To prevent more severe infections, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Still, pet owners should monitor dogs they believe have the condition. More dangerous diseases like canine influenza manifest with similar symptoms.
It’s best to have a qualified veterinarian inspect your animal if you suspect kennel cough. Treating the symptoms early is the best way to get your pet back on its feet.
Is Kennel Cough Deadly?
Fortunately, for most dogs, kennel cough is not deadly. Despite this, younger dogs are at risk for more severe symptoms that could become fatal.
Consider the health of your dog. If your furry friend is struggling with other conditions or recovering from surgery, kennel cough can be painful to manage. Check with a pet care specialist for a risk assessment of your dog.
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?
How long kennel cough lasts depends on the age and health of the dog. Though for most cases, this condition only lasts two to three weeks.
Avoid waiting it out without treatment, however. Your dog could be in significant discomfort if the condition is severe. Because dogs sometimes lose their appetite, this could create weakness and vulnerabilities to other diseases.
You can ask your veterinarian how to reduce symptoms or prevent the illness. Many vets strongly recommend a vaccine to protect your dog against future infections.
The kennel cough vaccine is a great solution to mitigate symptoms, though it will not 100% prevent your pet from catching kennel cough. Removing your pet from large groups of canines is the most effective way to reduce transmission risk.
How Long Does a Kennel Cough Vaccine Last?
Your dog should receive a booster once a year to reinforce their capacity to resist kennel cough infection. Even low-risk animals benefit from regular booster shots.
Like human vaccinations, this practice helps build immunity against diseases. Give your dog the care it deserves by keeping up with its annual vaccinations.
How Long Do Kennel Cough Vaccine Side Effects Last?
Like most medicine for humans, your dog can experience minor side effects from the kennel cough vaccine. Some vaccine side effects include:
- Lethargic behavior
- Excessive sneezing
- Swelling around the injection area
But how long do kennel cough vaccine side effects last? You can relax knowing these minor symptoms typically go away within a few days. These side effects do not compare to the discomfort your dog can experience when infected with Bordetella.
If the symptoms of kennel cough vaccination worsen or persist, seek a veterinarian to determine the best course of medical action.
Other Considerations
Some pet owners wonder, “can cats get kennel cough?” Unfortunately, this disease also affects cats, with slight differences in symptoms.
If you have more than one animal in your home, keep your infected dog separate until it recovers. This highly contagious disease will spread from play, sharing food bowls, and simply sleeping near other animals.
Some pet owners attempt to use home remedies for kennel cough symptoms. You can take advantage of some safe methods to improve your dog’s comfort, like encouraging the dog to rest and eat.
However, certain home medicines or treatments can worsen a dog’s reaction to kennel cough. Find a licensed veterinarian to determine which remedies are safe for your pet.
Finding Reliable Kennel Cough Treatment
Pet clinicians are the most reliable resource for treating kennel cough in dogs. You can find a quality veterinarian near you online. You can also find one by reaching out to other pet owners for recommendations.
Veterinarians are experts in treating common conditions like kennel cough with medically tested strategies. A pet care professional will review your animal’s medical history and decide how to proceed. Avoid the worry of not knowing how to help your dog by reaching out to an expert.
Call Penny Paws for Pet Vaccines to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe
Penny Paws is a trusted pet care provider with offices in Fort Worth, Arlington, Richland Hills, and Grand Prairie, Texas. We value every animal that comes through our door.
Our team is passionate about pet care. That is why we focus on ethical and modern treatment solutions. We provide a safe and comfortable environment so your pet can relax during their visit. Whether you need preventative care or kennel cough treatment for your dog, we will provide the care your pet needs.