7 Treatment Options for Kennel Cough Dogs

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that mainly affects dogs. It is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus-2. Kennel cough is spread through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of kennel cough include a persistent cough, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

Treatment for Kennel Cough

There is no specific cure for kennel cough, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. The following are seven treatment options for kennel cough in dogs:

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.
2. Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants can help to reduce coughing.
3. Expectorants: Expectorants can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
4. Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators can help to open up the airways and make it easier to breathe.
5. Rest: Rest is important for dogs with kennel cough. Avoid strenuous activity and allow your dog to rest in a comfortable place.
6. Fluids: Fluids are important for dogs with kennel cough. Offer your dog plenty of water and encourage him to drink.
7. Supportive care: Supportive care can help to improve your dog's overall health and well-being. This may include providing a nutritious diet, grooming your dog, and taking him for regular vet checkups.

How to Prevent Kennel Cough

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog. The kennel cough vaccine is a core vaccine for dogs and is recommended for all dogs, regardless of their age or lifestyle. In addition to vaccination, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent kennel cough in your dog:

• Avoid contact with infected dogs.
• Keep your dog away from crowded places, such as dog parks and boarding facilities.
• Wash your hands after handling an infected dog.
• Disinfect surfaces that have been contaminated with the kennel cough virus.

When to See a Vet

If your dog has a persistent cough, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, it is important to see a vet. Kennel cough can be a serious infection, and early treatment is important to prevent complications.

FAQs

• What is the incubation period for kennel cough? The incubation period for kennel cough is 2-10 days.
• How long does kennel cough last? Kennel cough typically lasts for 1-2 weeks.
• Is kennel cough contagious to humans? Kennel cough is not contagious to humans.
• Can kennel cough be prevented? Kennel cough can be prevented by vaccinating your dog.
• What is the treatment for kennel cough? The treatment for kennel cough includes antibiotics, cough suppressants, expectorants, bronchodilators, rest, fluids, and supportive care.
• When should I see a vet for kennel cough? You should see a vet for kennel cough if your dog has a persistent cough, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause a persistent cough, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Treatment for kennel cough includes antibiotics, cough suppressants, expectorants, bronchodilators, rest, fluids, and supportive care. The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog. If your dog has a persistent cough, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, it is important to see a vet.