Yes, kennel cough may kill your pet if left untreated. The following piece of the article shows how kennel cough may cause serious complications.


If you’ve ever walked into a veterinary office and seen your dog coughing up a storm, you know that you should immediately bring him in.

While the receptionist may tell you to wait outside until your appointment, this is to reduce the risk to the other canine patients.

Whenever possible, do not leave your dog in a hot bath alone, as it could scald itself. Your dog also shouldn’t be given cough medicine more often than once every 24 hours.

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You may like reading:    Does Kennel Cough in Dogs Worsen at Night?

Is Kennel Cough Contagious?



While there is no single specific cause for kennel cough, the illness can be spread between dogs by sniffing or playing together. It may also be transmitted by sharing water dishes. 

This disease is extremely contagious and may lead to pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, or septic shock. 

It is also susceptible to cold temperatures, exposure to dust, and crowded living conditions. Kennel cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Kennel Cough Leads to Pneumonia


In healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is not serious and typically clears up on its own. In severe cases, however, it can lead to pneumonia. 


Fortunately, kennel cough usually clears up on its own, and the infection will go away in a few weeks without any treatment. 

Although it is contagious, your dog should not be left alone in an enclosed space or tied to a collar.

Common Side Effects of Kennel Cough in Dogs


The most common side effects of kennel cough in a dog are sneezing, difficulty breathing, and fever. Although these symptoms can be a sign of a broader medical problem, 


Can My Dog Die From Kennel Cough?


kennel cough in a dog is usually not serious. It can be cured by using medication. A veterinarian can prescribe the right treatment for your dog and help you prevent your pooch from contracting a second form of the disease.

But anything can happen if you don’t bother to take your pet to the veterinarian clinic or provide proper treatment.

Vaccine for Kennel Cough


The bacteria responsible for kennel cough in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica. The vaccine prevents this disease by killing the bacteria that causes kennel cough in dogs. 


Vaccination is the best way to protect your dog from getting this infectious disease. Your pet should also receive a booster shot if he has a history of kennel cough.

What Happens If Kennel Cough Left Untreated?


Kennel cough may lead to serious lungs infection i.e. Pneumonia, etc if left untreated. Pneumonia is a life-threatening lung infection that may cause death. 


If your dog shows symptoms of kennel cough, you should see your veterinarian immediately.

While symptoms may begin five days after exposure, it will most likely take up to a week before your dog completely recovers. 

Vaccination is the best way to avoid kennel cough, especially for dogs that socialize a lot. 

Early Signs of Kennel Cough


When a dog has a kennel cough, he or she will cough loudly and produce watery discharge from the eyes. A cough is the main symptom, but a dog can also have runny eyes, swollen tonsils, depressed behavior, and fever. It is important to treat kennel cough early, or it may lead to more serious illnesses.


Is Kennel Cough Life-Threatening or Fatal?

Kennel cough is a contagious disease that causes your dog to cough up a dry, hoarse sound. It is different from a sneeze, but your dog may exhibit a reverse sneeze if they are infected. 

If your dog experiences any of the symptoms listed above, you should bring it to your veterinarian. Your vet may take a swab to diagnose an infection. It is not necessary for your dog to get swabbed for kennel cough to be treated, but it can help.

Kennel Cough Diagnosis


The best way to know whether your dog is suffering from kennel cough is to visit a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to diagnose kennel cough through the symptoms and the history of exposure to other dogs. 


A veterinarian may also perform chest X-rays or use other diagnostic tools, including cultures and blood tests. 

What Do Vets Prescribe For Kennel Cough?


The veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics, which won’t treat the viral aspect of the disease but will help treat secondary bacterial infections. 

Your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to help your dog cope with the illness.
kennel cough serious complications

While kennel cough can spread easily among dogs, the most important thing to remember is that it is highly contagious and can be spread by sharing objects and air. 


Dogs with kennel cough are usually highly contagious, but it is possible to infect people if you have a weakened immune system. For this reason, your dog should be quarantined for at least two weeks once the symptoms are gone.

Can Kennel Cough be Treat at Home?


If you suspect your dog is suffering from kennel cough, visit a veterinarian. Although uncomplicated cases can be treated at home without antibiotics, more complicated cases may require hospitalization, supportive therapies, and additional diagnostic testing. 


How Much Does Kennel Cough Treatment Cost?


The costs for kennel cough treatment will vary depending on the veterinarian and location. In most cases, the symptoms of kennel cough will go away on their own within a week, and a visit to the veterinarian will help the dog recover.
Categories: Kennel Cough

Doctor Xeeshan

Doctor Xeeshan

I am Doctor Xeeshan, located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In this blog, I am providing authentic information about dog breeds, diseases, medications, etc.

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