What Dog Owners Should Expect When it Comes to Kennel Cough Treatment

Although "kennel cough" may sound like a harmless condition, it can actually be more serious than its name implies, especially if left untreated. Officially known as Canine Infections Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), kennel cough is a respiratory illness caused by a combination of bacteria (like Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (such as canine parainfluenza or adenovirus) that can impact even the healthiest of dogs. It's common in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons.

Kennel cough spreads rapidly, making early intervention crucial to prevent further complications and protect other dogs in your home or community. In this blog, we’ll explore common treatments for kennel cough and under what circumstances veterinarians will recommend them.

What to Expect When Treating Kennel Cough 

While understanding what kennel cough is and how it’s contracted is fairly straightforward, treatment can be more complex for pet owners to navigate. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the overall health of the dog. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so your veterinarian will consider your dog's specific situation when recommending treatment.

Fortunately, many dogs recover from mild cases of kennel cough within 7 to 10 days without the need for extensive medical intervention. However, in more serious cases, extensive treatment may be required. It's important to know when to seek veterinary care and what to expect.

How Kennel Cough is Treated

Mild Cases (Uncomplicated Kennel Cough)

Most kennel cough cases are mild, involving symptoms such as a dry, persistent cough, but without other severe signs like fever or lethargy. Despite being sick, dogs with mild cases may still have normal energy levels and appetites.

Here are some ways to help your dog recover:

• Supportive Care: Ensure the dog stays hydrated and comfortable. Use a humidifier or take the dog into a steamy bathroom to soothe irritated airways, and avoid using collars or leashes that may place pressure on their neck and throat to avoid irritation. 
• Cough Suppressants: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications like dextromethorphan or hydrocodone to reduce coughing and help your dog rest. Never give human medications or over-the-counter cough syrups without veterinary approval as many can be harmful to dogs. 
• Rest: Just like with most human illnesses, rest is one of the best options for a speedy recovery. Limit your dog’s exercise and overall excitement, which can exacerbate coughing.
• Monitoring: Keep a close eye on any dog with kennel cough, even if they appear to be acting normal. Observe them regularly for any worsening symptoms, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, or nasal discharge, as this can indicate that their infection is progressing. 

Moderate Cases

Moderate cases involve more noticeable symptoms, such as worsening cough, mild fever, decreased appetite, or mild lethargy.

Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics: If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected (e.g., Bordetella bronchiseptica), antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanate may be prescribed. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for antibiotic use carefully to avoid instances of antibiotic resistance. 
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Mild corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce inflammation in the airways. Again, only use medications prescribed and approved by your veterinarian to avoid any unwanted reactions or further health complications. 
• Cough Suppressants: Like in mild cases, cough suppressants can give a dog some much needed relief.
• Nebulization or Inhalation Therapy: Delivery of saline or antibiotic solutions via a nebulizer can help clear mucus and reduce infection in the airways.

Severe Cases (Complicated Kennel Cough)

In severe cases, kennel cough can develop into more serious respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia. This typically occurs if the illness is left untreated or if the dog's immune system is already weakened. Pneumonia can cause severe symptoms like fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and a worsening cough. Severe cases can also lead to secondary bacterial infections, making immediate veterinary care crucial to avoid life-threatening complications. 

In these cases, treatment may involve: 

• Hospitalization: Severe cases may require inpatient care, especially if supportive therapies are needed. The length of stay will depend on the severity of the condition and how quickly the dog responds to treatment.
• Aggressive Antibiotic Therapy: For advanced and severe cases of kennel cough more aggressive courses of antibiotics may be recommended by your veterinarian. 
• Bronchodilators: These medications are used to help open the airways and improve breathing, which can be especially useful in cases that have progressed to pneumonia. 
• Nebulization with Medications: Similar to moderate cases, medications like acetylcysteine (a mucolytic) or antibiotic solutions may be delivered via nebulization to help a dog recover.
• Supportive Therapies: Additional treatments may include intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, oxygen therapy, and other supportive care to aid in recovery. 

Preventing Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is certainly an illness that no pet owner wants their dog to contract, especially with its unpleasant - and potentially life-threatening - complications. Luckily for pet owners, there's an effective preventative measure that's easy to access: vaccination.

Crosslake Veterinary Hospital offers an intranasal vaccine. This vaccination is delivered as drops into dog's nose. It's typically quick and stress-free for both you and your pet.

It’s important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective. Vaccinated dogs may still develop a mild case of kennel cough or carry the bacteria without showing symptoms. However, vaccination greatly reduces the severity and duration of the illness and helps lower the chances of spreading it to other dogs. In fact, studies have shown that the kennel cough vaccine can reduce the incidence of coughing by around 20% compared to a placebo.

In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures include: 

• Choosing reputable boarding and grooming facilities with good hygiene practices.
• Avoiding communal spaces during outbreaks.
• Keeping your dog away from sick dogs or areas where illness is known to spread.

If you suspect your dog has contracted kennel cough, reach out to your veterinarian to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.

If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (218) 692-4400, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.