Kennel Cough, Confirmed *Update and What can I give to help?*

When River had Kennel Cough he sounded like he was gagging all the time.  Because they can't actually cough like humans.  Kennel Cough is actually a cold virus and can go away on its own just like us humans (as per my Vet) but the dog is uncomfortable because the cough/gagging is nagging and it sure did upset us.  He could have easily picked it up at the clinic.  River got his from the goomer.  The Vet told us it takes 7 to 10 days after exposure and River was right on the money with that.  I was worried for my other 2 dogs but they didn't get it.  Vet also said, like humans, wait and see if the other dogs resist it on there own.  Unless its a older dog, puppy or sick dog it typically isn't threatening.

Riv got a bordetella, antibiotics (just in case) and cough medicine.

 10 days on the nose since he was at the clinic...Teddi is 10 months old and technically considered a puppy so, maybe come tues if he's still coughing I will take him to the vet. I hated when Moe was coughing, and after a few days he went right to the vet for some meds.

Kennel cough is actually more like influenza than a cold, in that it's a more serious infection than a cold tends to be in humans.  Like influenza, it can be a very short bout that's more annoying to all concerned, than anything else, right up to a life-threatening situation.  In most healthy pets it's much closer to the first, however.  It's in the stressed out, unhealthy dogs we see in rescue, that we get the complications that can occcur.

However, if you suspect KC, just like with humans and influenza, rest is your best friend.  Your dog will be troubled less by the cough, and get over it, much faster, if kept quiet.  You shouldn't even need the drugs the vet typically wants to give out. 

However, keep a close eye on your dog, because other infections like to piggyback on this virus while your dog is busy fighting it (also similar to influenza in humans).  Dogs can get bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and even skin, urinary tract, and demodectic infections during a bout of bordatella.  Again, usually this happens when the dog is stressed, excited, or starts out with a weakened immune system (young or old, or ill).  But, you can minimize the risk by keeping your dog away from other dogs and basically on your own home ground while he or she is symptomatic.

Good luck!  Hope it's a false alarm, but if it's not, you're aware of it early and it should be just fine!

Thank you, yeah we walked him earlier and I noticed he was worse with the cough when we came home so I said no more until he's better. Hopefully it passes on its own but if it gets worse I will take him. He's in great health thankfully, actually the vet complimented us because he said Teddi's pretty much perfect, all muscle no fat on him..so needless to say I was pretty proud. 

I don't want to hijack this thread, but can cats get KC?   

I'm sure you already know, but before going to the vet let them know you are bringing in a dog with KC to avoid infecting any other pets in the office.

Hope you feel better soon Teddi. 

Liesje

I don't want to hijack this thread, but can cats get KC?   

I think so, but I think its rare... 

Liesje

I don't want to hijack this thread, but can cats get KC?   

Cats get upper respirtory infections - sneezy, watery eyes, etc. They can't catch it from a dog. URI infections in cats are more serious than KC in a dog.

Kennel cough is very similar to a cold. There is, however, another disease called canine influenza, that requires vet care. They are two very different infections.

child dose of Tussin helps them rest and sleep. Humidifiers in the room help them as well. I always do the former and we don't bother with the vet unless it gets serious...is in a puppy, or old or infirm dog.

To add.....

 whenever I bring a new foster home, or when I think one of my own isn't feeling well - I bring them in the bathroom with me as I take a nice, long, hot shower. Benefits both =] It's like a dehumidifier, but not.