How Long Should I Quarantine My Dog with Kennel Cough

Quarantining your dog with kennel cough is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the infection. This usually lasts for 21 days, as kennel cough can take up to 3 weeks to clear up on its own.

During this time, your dog will likely be coughing, sneezing, and showing other symptoms. It's essential to keep them isolated from other dogs to prevent the infection from spreading.

You'll also need to monitor your dog's temperature, as a fever can be a sign of a secondary infection. Keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or appetite.

The good news is that kennel cough is rarely life-threatening, and most dogs recover fully with proper care and rest.

Kennel cough is highly contagious, so it's essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.

Because kennel cough spreads quickly, it's crucial to keep your dog away from other dogs if they have symptoms.

You should treat your dog as if they are contagious until forty-eight hours after their last cough.

You might enjoy: Contagious Dog Diseases

A diagnosis of kennel cough is typically made based on a combination of clinical signs and a physical examination.

Your veterinarian will examine your dog's throat and nasal passages to check for signs of infection.

Treatment for kennel cough usually involves antibiotics to help clear up the infection, and cough suppressants to alleviate symptoms.

Intriguing read: Signs Dog Dying Hemangiosarcoma Life Expectancy

Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs can be a bit tricky, but veterinarians rely on clinical signs like coughing to make a diagnosis.

The most common clinical sign is a nonproductive dry, hacking cough, which can have a high-pitched sound due to swelling and inflammation of the larynx, tonsils, and vocal cords.

Veterinarians also look for a history of recent exposure to other dogs, as this is a key factor in determining if your dog has kennel cough.

A diagnosis is often based solely on clinical signs, as there are no laboratory tests to specifically confirm kennel cough.

Additional reading: What Are Signs of Allergies in Dogs

In some cases, veterinarians may recommend additional tests such as blood work and chest x-rays to rule out other, more serious conditions.

The majority of dogs don't have a fever, making it harder to diagnose kennel cough, and some animals will show few or no signs of disease at all.

Treatment for kennel cough typically involves a combination of medication and supportive care to help your dog feel better. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and discomfort.

In some cases, antibiotics are necessary to kill the Bordetella bacteria that causes kennel cough. Isolation away from other dogs is also crucial to prevent the spread of the infection.

If your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, your vet may recommend oxygen therapy or IV fluid therapy to help stabilize their condition. IV antibiotics can also be prescribed to target the underlying infection.

To help manage your dog's cough, your vet may prescribe antitussives, such as cough suppressants. However, these are usually only recommended if pneumonia is absent.

Here are some common treatment options for kennel cough:

Quarantine is a must for dogs with kennel cough. You'll want to keep your dog away from dog parks, doggy daycare, kennels, veterinary hospitals, and other areas where they might interact with other dogs.

For a full 2-6 weeks, it's best to keep your dog on your property to prevent the spread of the infection. This is especially important because CIRD is highly infectious.

If your dog has kennel cough, they could continue to shed infectious particles for the duration of their symptoms. So, treat them as if they are contagious until 48 hours after their last cough.

Dogs with kennel cough often display a persistent, raspy, dry cough caused by pathogens that inflame the airways, especially at night.

Coughing fits can happen throughout the day too, and may be accompanied by harsh coughs or hacking coughs, especially when pulling on a collar.

A goose honk or honking cough, especially when light pressure is applied to the trachea, is another common symptom.

Take a look at this: When to Worry about Kennel Cough

Increased respiratory rate and effort are also common, causing dogs to pant all the time.

Exercise intolerance or shortness of breath on walks is another symptom to watch out for.

Dogs may also sneeze, gag, or attempt to vomit due to kennel cough.

Eye discharge, runny nose, and nose discharge are other possible symptoms.

As the disease progresses, dogs may lose their appetite and become lethargic.

Fever is also a possible symptom, and in severe cases, dogs may develop difficulty breathing or pneumonia.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough in dogs:

To keep your dog safe and prevent the spread of kennel cough, it's essential to quarantine them for a while. You should keep your dog away from dog parks, doggy daycare, kennels, veterinary hospitals, and other areas where they may come into contact with other dogs.

The contagious period for kennel cough can last anywhere from 10-14 days, but it's crucial to keep your dog isolated until they've been symptom-free for at least 2-3 weeks. This will help prevent the spread of the infection and ensure your dog can recover safely.

On a similar theme: Kennel Cough Spreading

If your dog has kennel cough, it's best to walk them on a lead in areas where they're less likely to meet other dogs, and avoid nose-to-nose contact altogether. Even if your dog seems unaffected by their occasional cough, it's still possible for them to spread the infection.

Quarantining your dog will also give them the chance to rest and recover from kennel cough. This is especially important, as the symptoms of kennel cough can last for 2-3 weeks, and it's essential to let your dog's body heal before reintroducing them to social situations.

By following these guidelines and quarantining your dog for the right amount of time, you can help prevent the spread of kennel cough and ensure your furry friend can recover safely and quickly.

You might enjoy: Allergies in Dogs Nose

Your dog's risk of contracting kennel cough is higher in certain situations. Crowded dog spaces or facilities, such as doggy daycare, are a significant concern.

Staying in kennels, rescue shelters, or boarding facilities can also increase the risk due to moist, warm, and poorly ventilated environments.

Exposure to people or equipment that have contact with a large number of dogs, like veterinarians, trainers, sitters, groomers, or walkers, is another risk factor.

Stress or immunocompromise can also make your dog more susceptible to kennel cough. This can be due to travel, separation anxiety, or underlying illnesses like cancer.

Here are some specific situations to watch out for:

Quarantining your dog with kennel cough can be a challenging task, but it's essential to prevent the spread of the infection to other dogs.

The duration of quarantine depends on the severity of the symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. Typically, a dog with mild symptoms can recover in 7-10 days, but more severe cases may require up to 14 days of isolation.

To prevent the spread of kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

The prognosis for kennel cough in dogs is good with supportive care. You can try home remedies for mild cases, but it's always a good idea to take your furry friend to the veterinarian to be safe.

Vaccinating your dog is the best way to prevent kennel cough. Vaccines can prevent many causes, including Bordetella, parainfluenza, and dog flu.

If your dog is social and frequently interacts with other dogs, vaccinating them is especially crucial. Boarding facilities often require up-to-date puppy vaccinations to keep all dogs safe and healthy.

The intranasal vaccine is a good option because it also protects against parainfluenza. It creates "local immunity" in the area your dog needs it most – the nose.

You might like: What Food Is Good for Dogs Skin and Coat

The Kennel Cough vaccine works quickly, often providing immunity within just 3 days after administration with intranasal or intraoral vaccinations.

Intranasal and intraoral vaccines are the fastest way to get protection, but injectable vaccines take longer to achieve immunity, requiring an initial booster dose.

Immunity with injectable vaccines is around 7-10 days after the booster dose, which is 2-4 weeks after the first dose.