Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease, is a condition that affects the upper respiratory system of a dog. It is caught via airborne droplets from other dogs coughing nearby.
Dogs suffering from the condition will often have a forceful and loud cough. In these circumstances, pet owners must contact a vet, so medication can be administered.
Dogs with kennel cough will be given antibiotics, but there are often other steps to follow to ensure pets can fully recover.
Exercise is essential, and dog owners will be keen to ensure that their pets don’t miss out. However, kennel cough can be contagious, so there are some considerations before walking a dog with the condition.
Dogs With Kennel Coughs Need a Lot of Rest
Despite the importance of exercise, dogs suffering from kennel cough will not be feeling their best, meaning their willingness to go for a walk will be less. As with humans, dogs require a lot of rest when unwell, and kennel cough is no exception.
If a dog wants to go outside, this isn’t an issue, but recovering is more important than exercise when pets suffer from kennel cough
However, as each dog is different, many pets will still be actively wanting to go outside. This isn’t a problem in the right environment, but exercise time should be reduced if kennel cough becomes actively worse.
Try to Avoid Other Dogs
When dogs go for a walk, they often mingle with others. However, because kennel cough is so contagious, it can mean the dogs being interacted with also suffer from the condition. As such, pet owners should find a location that is isolated and not too far from home.
For example, those with a garden can allow their dog to exercise as there is no danger of them interacting with other dogs.
Given the unique personalities of dogs, it can be difficult to know what to do for the best when kennel cough occurs. However, dog owners simply need to remember to keep their pets warm and comfortable while ensuring any medication is given to the pet as per the veterinarian’s instructions.
Understandably, some owners can be distressed when not being able to fulfill their dogs’ desire to go outside, but keeping exercise to a minimum in an isolated location ensures recovery is faster, and other dogs aren’t put at risk.
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?
In most instances, kennel cough lasts between one and three weeks. However, there can be instances when the condition requires further treatment.
As each pet is unique, dog owners should not become distressed in these situations, but should contact the vet so the right approach can be taken when caring for their pet.
Nobody likes to see their pet in discomfort, but there should be little reason why your four-legged friend isn’t back to their normal selves following a bout of kennel cough.
