Kennel Cough Antibiotics and the Best Treatment Methods

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages. It's caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, which is often spread through direct contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions.

The symptoms of kennel cough can be quite unpleasant for dogs, including a persistent cough, runny nose, and sneezing. In severe cases, the cough can be so bad that it can lead to pneumonia.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat kennel cough, but they're not always necessary. According to the article, antibiotics are only recommended for dogs that are showing severe symptoms or have a weakened immune system.

The best treatment methods for kennel cough involve a combination of rest, hydration, and supportive care. This can include providing plenty of fresh water, a nutritious diet, and plenty of love and attention to help your dog feel better.

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Kennel cough in dogs is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, Canine adenovirus, and Parainfluenza virus.

On a similar theme: Kennel Cough Bacteria

These pathogens can be spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, and can also be contracted from infected objects like shared toys, food bowls, or water bowls.

Dogs can be exposed to kennel cough in crowded areas, like animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

Kennel cough is often spread through close contact with an infected dog, and can be airborne, making it easy to spread in crowded environments.

Here are some common causes of kennel cough in dogs:

Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs is often a straightforward process. A veterinarian can make a diagnosis based on a dog's symptoms, history, and response to therapy.

Typically, identifying the underlying bacteria or virus isn't necessary. However, there are some situations where diagnostic testing is recommended.

If pneumonia is suspected, diagnostic testing is a good idea. The same goes for dogs that don't respond to supportive care or show signs of systemic disease.

In the event of an outbreak in multiple dogs, diagnostic testing can be helpful. This can help identify the cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Diagnostic testing is usually only recommended in these specific situations.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Kennel Cough Outbreak

Mild cases of kennel cough are typically treated with a week or so of rest and supportive care, similar to how you'd treat your own common cold.

Antibiotics may be prescribed by your dog's veterinarian to prevent secondary bacterial infection, as well as cough suppressant medication to ease symptoms and help your dog sleep.

Nebulizers and vaporizers utilizing inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators have been reported to be beneficial but are usually not prescribed.

If your dog normally visits a dog daycare while you're at work, you'll need to keep them home to help limit the spread to other dogs.

Dogs with a cough only often do not require hospitalization, and the disease is often self-limiting.

Antibiotics are usually not needed unless there is evidence of pneumonia.

If a dog requires hospitalization, it should be housed in isolation from other animals in the hospital.

The recommended antibiotics include amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 12–25 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours; trimethoprim-sulfa drugs 15–30 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours; enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours; and doxycycline or minocycline 5–10 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 7–14 days.

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Use a dog harness rather than a dog collar to walk a dog with kennel cough, as irritation of the tracheal area can aggravate the cough and possibly even cause damage.

Antitussives are contraindicated in patients with pneumonia.

If the cough is persistent, hydrocodone or butorphanol can be used at a dose of 0.22 mg/kg, PO, every 6–12 hours or 0.5 mg/kg, PO, every 6–12 hours, respectively.

Kennel cough is a common canine illness that's easily recognizable by its distinctive "goose honk" cough sound. This cough can be followed by retching and gagging, and can be easily induced by gentle palpation of the larynx or trachea.

The symptoms of kennel cough can vary in severity, but often include a persistent dry, hacking cough and coughing during the night. Retching with the production of white foam is also a common symptom, along with clear eye drainage, runny nose, and sneezing.

Dogs with kennel cough may also exhibit tracheal sensitivity, where they cough when you apply gentle pressure to their trachea. This is a key diagnostic sign of the illness.

While kennel cough can resolve on its own without treatment, it's essential to monitor your dog's symptoms closely, especially if they're a puppy or senior dog. Severe symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and labored breathing, require immediate veterinary attention.

Here are some key indicators that your dog needs to see a vet immediately:

If you notice any of these severe symptoms, take your dog to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.