KENNEL COUGH.

Question
My chug was diagnosed 6 days ago with kennel cough.  Treatment began that day.  I am wondering how long before symptoms appeared and for how long after treatment begins is a dog contagious? Can it be passed to another dog by their walking side by side?
I thank you so very much for being there to answer questions.
Jo

Answer
Hi Jo,
That is actually a tricky one to answer, as kennel cough refers to any one of many viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections. Usually dogs take up to 3 weeks to recover, but that period can be extended up to 6 weeks if you have an older immunosuppressed dog.

Usually the virus is spread by coughing or sharing water or food bowls. Walking with another dog, if one is coughing can lead to spread of the virus and/or bacteria. Cough particles can travel a metre away easily. Sometimes dogs cough more when pulling on the lead.

Usually vaccination for kennel cough includes the Bordatella bronchiseptica bacterium the parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus. There are however other viruses that cause the disease, so even a vaccinated dog can still get kennel cough. It does at least tend to be less severe in vaccinated dogs.

I hope that helps a little.

Dr. Eloise Bright
www.lovethatpet.com