Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has kennel cough. Should I delay shots or see a vet sooner?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 2 months and 10 days old | 25 lbs

If I think my dog has kennel cough and she has a vet appt next week to get her next set of shots can she wait the week and can she still get her shot

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 1st, 2017

Typically kennel cough is a self limiting infection, but vets will not give vaccines unless a dog is totally healthy. Bea's vaccines may need to be delayed a few weeks to allow her to heal from the kennel cough if she has it. I would have her seen by a vet sooner than week, however. There is no cure for kennel cough, but her symptoms can be managed medically and these medications can help give her some relief while she is recovering. There are some things you can do at home for her as well. Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. Keep her in a well-humidified area, and use a harness instead of a collar to minimize coughing. I would rest her for at least seven days to minimize irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. You can also bring Bea into the bathroom with you while you have a shower, as the steam may help with the respiratory irritation, or you can put her in a room with a humidifier. I would see if the vet can see you sooner than next week to discuss medication use for her symptoms. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    It is never recommended to vaccinate a sick dog. Your veterinarian can make this determination after an exam. Most cases of kennel cough will resolve with or without treatment in about two weeks although the cough may linger for longer.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025

Related Brands and Products

Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments At-Home Dog Vaccines Dog Health & Wellness Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Asthma Medication Vaccines and Shots for Cats Prescription Dog Antibiotics Dog First Aid & Recovery Pet Pharmacy Dog Vitamins & Supplements Pet Wellbeing Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments VetSmart Formulas Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments Moe's Healthy Pets Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments Wellness Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments Natural Remedies Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments PetAlive Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments Vetnique Labs Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments HomeoPet Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments NUTRAMAX Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments Codeage Cold & Kennel Cough Treatments
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored