If you’re a dog owner, especially of a puppy, you’ve probably heard of kennel cough. This term refers to a common respiratory disease in dogs, particularly in places where many animals are gathered, like kennels, shelters, and dog shows. Although the name might sound alarming, kennel cough is usually manageable with the right treatment. However, it can be concerning to see your puppy coughing persistently.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experience dealing with kennel cough in my puppies. Keep in mind that what I’m sharing comes from my own experience—I’m not a vet. However, I’ve always trusted my regular vet and another specialist with a more natural approach. Together, they gave me different perspectives on how to handle this disease.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, medically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that primarily affects a dog’s upper respiratory tract. It’s similar to a human cold in terms of symptoms, but in dogs, it can be more persistent and bothersome.
This disease spreads mainly through airborne droplets, but it can also be transmitted by sharing food bowls, water dishes, and other utensils with infected dogs. Puppies, with their immature immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to contracting it.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Dry, persistent coughing (often described as sounding like the dog has something stuck in its throat).
- Nasal discharge.
- Sneezing.
- Mild fever.
- Loss of appetite or lethargy in severe cases.
The cough can last anywhere from 10 to 30 days, depending on the treatment and the severity of the infection.
My Experience with Kennel Cough
When my puppies started coughing alarmingly, I got really worried. As any responsible owner would, the first thing I did was call my trusted vet. Technology has advanced so much that it’s not even necessary to rush to the clinic anymore; now you can make video calls and show the vet what’s happening to your pet in real time.
I consulted two veterinarians: the one I’ve always worked with and another with a more natural approach. Both gave me different perspectives, which helped me decide on the best path for my puppies.
- The Traditional Approach
My lifelong vet recommended a treatment based on antibiotics and prednisone (a type of corticosteroid). He explained that antibiotics were necessary to prevent the infection from worsening, and the prednisone would help reduce inflammation in the airways. - The Natural Approach
On the other hand, the more holistic vet suggested starting with vitamin C and natural syrups for the cough and mucus. According to him, antibiotics should be a last resort, and corticosteroids should only be used if the puppy had serious breathing problems, as this medication could weaken the dog’s immune system.
I decided to try both approaches in a controlled way. First, I started with the vitamin C and natural syrups since my puppies’ symptoms didn’t seem severe. After a few days, I noticed some improvement in the cough, though the mucus was still present.
When is it Essential to Visit the Vet?
It’s essential that if your dog shows signs of kennel cough, you take them to the vet. Although it’s usually not a severe disease, it can worsen if not treated properly, especially in puppies or older dogs. The vet will be able to assess the severity of the case and determine whether antibiotics or corticosteroids are necessary or if a milder treatment will suffice.
One thing I learned from my experience is that not all cases of kennel cough are the same. Some dogs can get over it with rest, vitamins, and natural syrups, while others need a more aggressive approach.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
While you can’t always prevent your dog from coming into contact with other dogs, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of your puppy contracting kennel cough:
- Vaccination
There is a vaccine that protects against some of the viruses and bacteria that cause kennel cough. While it’s not foolproof, it can significantly reduce the risk of infection or, if your dog does catch it, lessen the severity of the symptoms. - Avoid Contact with Sick Dogs
If you know that there are dogs with kennel cough in the park or in your neighborhood, it’s best to keep your puppy away from them until they have fully recovered. - Hygiene
Just like with humans, good hygiene practices are key. Regularly wash your dog’s food and water bowls, and make sure they don’t share toys or utensils with unknown dogs. - Boost the Immune System
Keep your puppy healthy with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and vitamin supplements if necessary. A strong immune system can help your dog recover more quickly if they contract the disease.
The Importance of Consistency in Treatment
Something I discovered during this process is that the key to overcoming kennel cough is consistency in treatment. As I mentioned earlier, I started with a natural approach, but after a few days, I added the antibiotics recommended by the first vet to ensure my puppies wouldn’t suffer complications.
It’s important not to skip any doses of the prescribed medications or syrups. Kennel cough can be persistent, and any lapse in treatment can delay recovery. In my case, after 15 days of consistent treatment, my puppies no longer had symptoms and were completely healthy. It was an incredible relief to see them recover!
What to Do If the Cough Doesn’t Improve?
If you notice that, despite treatment, your puppy’s symptoms are not improving or are worsening (such as difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy, or high fever), don’t hesitate to contact the vet again. In some cases, the treatment may need to be adjusted, or additional tests may be necessary to rule out other respiratory diseases.
Kennel cough is an annoying and, in some cases, worrying disease, but with proper veterinary care and consistent treatment, it is completely manageable. My recommendation, based on my experience, is to always trust the professionals. Don’t hesitate to consult more than one vet if you think it’s necessary, as each dog is different and may respond better to one treatment or another.
Remember, the most important thing is to act quickly and be consistent with the treatment. If you’ve had a similar experience, share your story! I’d love to know how you handled it and if you were aware of these alternatives. See you in the next article. Take care of your puppy!