Do Dogs Sneezze with Kennel Cough and What to Expect

Dogs can sneeze with kennel cough, which is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions.

The sneezing associated with kennel cough is usually accompanied by a dry, hacking cough. This is because the infection inflames the dog's airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Dogs with kennel cough may also experience other symptoms such as runny eyes, sneezing, and lethargy. In severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia.

Symptoms of kennel cough typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the bacteria and can last anywhere from 7-21 days.

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Kennel cough is a respiratory disease that's highly contagious among dogs, often spread in confined spaces like dog daycare or boarding facilities. It's caused by airborne droplets, direct contact, and infected surfaces.

Dogs can contract kennel cough by hanging out in areas where multiple dogs congregate, such as dog parks or training groups. This is because kennel cough spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, as well as direct contact like touching noses or sharing food and water bowls.

In severe cases, kennel cough can be a serious concern, especially in puppies under six months old. But for healthy dogs over six months, kennel cough is typically treatable with proper care.

Here are some common ways kennel cough spreads:

This means it's essential to keep an eye out for symptoms and take your dog to the vet if you suspect they've contracted kennel cough.

Dogs with kennel cough may also sneeze, which is one of the ways kennel cough can spread between dogs. If your dog has kennel cough and is sneezing regularly, make sure you keep them away from other dogs so it doesn’t spread.

A sneeze is a common symptom of kennel cough in dogs, and it's not just a minor annoyance. In fact, a sneeze can be a sign that your dog is contagious and needs to be isolated from other dogs to prevent the spread of kennel cough.

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Some small breeds of dogs experience kennel cough as a reverse sneeze, which is described as a repetitive wheezing inhale. This is a unique symptom that can be a bit concerning, but it's still a sign of kennel cough.

If your dog is sneezing or experiencing a wheezing inhale, it's essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics or other medications, but it's crucial to get your dog treated promptly to prevent complications.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough in dogs that may be accompanied by sneezing or wheezing:

Kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics if it's caused by a bacterial infection, but if it's viral, treatment is mostly focused on relieving symptoms.

Symptoms of kennel cough can be managed with rest, plenty of fluids, and a humidifier to help soothe the throat.

To prevent kennel cough, the Bordetella vaccine is recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs, such as in dog daycare or kennels.

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The most common treatment for kennel cough is rest and hydration, especially if your dog is showing mild symptoms.

Symptomatic relief can be achieved with over-the-counter medication such as cough suppressants and antitussives.

Rest and hydration should be prioritized to help your dog recover from the underlying infection.

Antibiotics are not typically prescribed unless your dog is showing signs of a secondary bacterial infection.

Supportive care such as humidifiers and saline drops can help alleviate coughing and congestion.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide oxygen therapy and fluids.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat.

In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe a medication called doxycycline to treat secondary bacterial infections.

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To prevent kennel cough in dogs, getting your dog vaccinated is one of the best ways to go. This is especially important for dogs who spend a lot of time in training groups, boarding facilities, or daycare facilities.

Limiting your dog's exposure to other dogs is also crucial in preventing kennel cough. If your dog does spend a lot of time at a boarding or daycare facility, choose a facility that requires all dogs to be vaccinated for kennel cough.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact, and infected surfaces. This means that even if your dog is healthy, they can still catch kennel cough if they're exposed to an infected dog.

Dogs can spread kennel cough to other dogs through coughing and sneezing, and even by touching noses or making direct contact. They can also get kennel cough by sharing the same food bowl, water bowl, or chew toy.

If your dog does contract kennel cough, it's essential to get a diagnosis from your vet right away. The good news is that kennel cough is typically treatable, especially in healthy dogs older than six months.

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