kennel cough?

Question

Will it run it's course or should I see the Vet?

Unfortunately it's not just kennel cough, I was just kind of thinking thats what it was,but it turns out my girl has an enlarged heart.

Answer 1

You do need to see a vet. Kennel cough (canine tracheobronchitis) does not cure itself, it needs antibiotics and supportive treatment before it becomes too much of a problem for the dog.

Also, if you have not seen a vet you cannot be sure that this is the diagnosis - it may be something more serious. Coughs can be a symptom of heart problems.

Chalice

Answer 2

"real" kennel cough will run it's course in about 3 weeks. If it is really kennel cough and not some other virus/bacterial infection antibiotics will not help nor wil lthey be recommended.The vet most likely will prescribe a cough medication though since the cough is very annoying.
Yes you should see a vet to get the proper diagnosis to make sure it really is just kennel cough and not something more serious such as the start of canine influenza..the vet can then advise you on course of proper treatment.

Answer 3

Kennel cough or tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious canine illness characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by viral infections such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, or canine respiratory coronavirus, or bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.[1] It is so named because the infection can spread quickly among dogs, such as in the close quarters of a kennel.
Infection

Both viral and bacterial causes of kennel cough are spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. It is highly contagious. Exposure occurs in environments where there are other dogs in proximity, such as kennels, dog shows, and groomers. Symptoms begin usually 3 to 5 days after exposure.[1] The disease can progress to pneumonia.
Symptoms

Symptoms can include a harsh, dry hacking/coughing, retching, or gagging, especially in response to light pressing of the trachea. The presence of a fever varies from case to case. The disease can last from 10-20 days. Diagnosis is made by seeing these symptoms and having a history of exposure.
Treatment and prevention

Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive (nothing is being coughed up). The prognosis is good. Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. Most kennels will not board dogs without proof of vaccination.

Answer 4

You should see a vet. Kennel cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. While it is hard to be certain in veterinary medicine when discussing statistics, it is estimated that 80 to 90% of the cases of kennel cough are due to this organism. The other 10 to 20% of cases are caused by a variety of other infectious agents, most of them viral. Kennel cough has been associated with parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and canine distemper virus as well as the Bordetella bacteria.

The incubation period from the time a dog is exposed until clinical signs appear varies depending on which infectious agent is the cause. In general it appears to be about 3 to 5 days with Bordetella. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog "has something caught in his throat". In some dogs it can lead to pneumonia or more serious signs. Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough and antibiotics may be necessary for stubborn infections or to try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. It is probably a good idea to vaccinate dogs who will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at shows, obedience classes or the classic cause -- when left in kennels. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity, though. Some vets use both to get maximum protection. We don't use either one routinely but give the intranasal vaccine to our patients who will be exposed to groups of dogs.

Answer 5

see a vet get antibotics, I've been there with my puppy and the first vet i took her too just told me to keep her warm and dry after a week she was still sick and coughing horribly so i took her to a different vet that prescribed meds that were exspensive but worked, he did a culture on her also to make sure it was kennel cough. In a matter of days she was much better, I also gave her herbal cough syrup and baby nose drops.

Answer 6

You should see the vet. This disease is highly contagious. it usually is not life threatening but in some instances it can progress. into something serious. If you dog is coughing , sneezing, backing and retching accompanied by nasal discharge you really need to see your vet. This vaccination should be given to your dog rountinely that comes in contact with other dogs, such as through boarding , training class or visits to the groomer.

Answer 7

Kennel cough is like bronchitis in humans,
I recommend seeing a Vet as it is contagious to other dogs.

Answer 8

See a Vet; however...

It will run it's course. My old roommate had a pug with it and infected my dogs, my roommate was an sh!t-he@d and chose not to give the medication *I* bought for his dog. My dogs did get their full course of pills and all dogs recovered, but the stupid roommate's dog (the dog wasn't stupid, just his owner) took a lot longer to recover fully.

Without the medication the respiratory system could become vulnerable to other bacteria or virus during recuperation which could lead to additional illness.

It's is advisable to see a vet, get the proper medication and give it as instructed until the medication is gone.

Answer 9

see the vet

Answer 10

You MUST see a Vet....eventually your dog will be vomitting his/her water and food.