How Long Does It Take for Dogs To Get Over Kennel Cough?

Question

I just purchases a Japanese Chin puppy. He is 12 weeks old and has kennel cough, I have had him for about 5 days. How long does it usually take for a puppy to get over kennel cough?

Answer 1

(Quoted)
How is it Treated?

Although most cases will go away on their own, we like to think we can hasten recovery with antibiotics to directly kill the Bordetella organism. Alternatively, kennel cough may be treated with cough suppressants to provide comfort during natural recovery. Or antibiotics and cough suppressants can be combined.

When Is it a Serious Condition?

In very young puppies, especially those with a recent shipping history (i.e., pet store puppies) are especially prone to severe cases of infectious tracheobronchitis (frequently progressing to pneumonia).

In dogs where the distemper virus is involved (usually shelter or pet store puppies), there is tremendous potential for serious consequences.

Vaccination Options


There are basically two options for Kennel cough vaccination: injectable and intranasal.

Injectable is a good choice for aggressive dogs, who may bite if their muzzle is approached. It provides good systemic immunity as long as two doses are given after age 4 months (with an annual booster). Injectable vaccination may only lead to less severe infection and not complete prevention.

Intranasal vaccination may be given as early as 2 weeks of age and immunity generally lasts 10 to 12 months. (Usually this vaccine is boosted annually.) The advantage here is that the local immunity is stimulated, right at the site where the natural infection would be trying to take hold.

It takes 4 days to generate a solid immune response after intranasal vaccination so it is best if vaccination is given at least 4 days prior to the exposure. Some dogs will have some sneezing or nasal discharge in the week following intranasal vaccination. As a general rule, nasal vaccination provides faster immunity than injectable vaccination.

Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper, all members of the Kennel Cough complex, are all covered by the standard DHLPP vaccine, the basic vaccine for dogs. Adenovirus Type 2 serum also immunizes against Adenovirus Type 1, the agent of infectious canine hepatitis.

VACCINATION IS NOT USEFUL IN A DOG ALREADY INCUBATING KENNEL COUGH
What if it Doesn't Improve?

As previously noted, this infection is generally self-limiting. It should be at least improved partially after one week of treatment. If no improvement has been observed in this time, a re-check exam (possibly including radiographs of the chest) would be a good idea.

Answer 2

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RE:
How Long Does It Take for Dogs To Get Over Kennel Cough?
I just purchases a Japanese Chin puppy. He is 12 weeks old and has kennel cough, I have had him for about 5 days. How long does it usually take for a puppy to get over kennel cough?

Answer 3

If it is an uncomplicated case of kennel cough, it should resolve in about 2 weeks. Kennel cough if highly contagious to other dogs and he shouldn't come in contact with other dogs during this time. Kennel cough is usually self-limiting and will resolve itself, but it wouldn't hurt for him to be on antibiotics; ask your vet. You can use a cough suppresant at night only, but NOT if the cough is productive. If you chose to give meds, get them from your vet and don't use anything from your own medicine cabinet. The dog needs to rest or be confined because exercise and excitement can worsen the problem by irritating the airway and worsening the cough. In the future, if your dog is going to be boarding, you should get a Bordatella vaccine from your vet. A reputable boarding facility will require you to have that done anyway.

Answer 4

Been there, done that. I do rescue work. It normally takes about 2 weeks to get over kennel cough. They only need antibiotics if they have a really bad case of it. Most dogs get over it with no meds.
Although most dog vaccines have a duration of immunity of many, many years, the vaccine for kennel cough is only good for approx 6 months.

Answer 5

Usually you take them to the vet make sure that is what it is. Small breeds can have thing like collapsing tracheas that can be confused with kennel cough. If it is kennel cough, it can be easily treated with antibiotics. See a vet!!!!!!

Answer 6

Usually as long as a human would a cold. When you board your dog at a kennel or your dog is exposed to another dog who has been boarded before, it is key that ou make sure your dog has had a vaccination what is called a BORDETELLA, it keeps dogs and cats from getting it. I work at a kennel and we have to make sure every single dog and cat gets this vaccination. So please be aware of your dog and others around.

Answer 7

My dog had the same thing. Well if you have the medicine and pills then it will take about a month or two. It takes a while to actually get over the illness. My dog had it and he took almost two months but he wasnt as bad as he was when he first got it, it starts to wear down until its finally gone.

Answer 8

You need medication for the kennel cough.

Answer 9

Your dog will not get over it without antibiotics from your vet. This is something that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Answer 10

it can take a while. the only puppy i had with it died. its not easy to get rid of so make sure u to him to see the doctor. u dont what him to die.