My senior dog has kennel cough, honking, and lethargy. What now?

Question

My dog has had a persistent cough which the vet we saw at our usual clinic said she believed was kennel cough. We did have to board him as we looked for a place to live. He was vaccinated before boarding though and now his cough is worse. It sounds more and more like honking? Also lethargic and not as interested in food, paces at night? He's a 12 year old Aussie mix & was in wonderful shape before the boarding. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 38 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pete! Was Pete put on antibiotics when he was seen? Kennel cough is caused by many viral, bacterial or mycoplasma organisms. There is only the ONE vaccine for Bordatella. A lot of dogs sadly get a different bacteria or virus that causes the kennel cough signs. Kennel cough is very goose honkey. Since Pete is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is pacing at night and is 12 years old he should be rechecked. I would recommend X-rays of his chest. If his heart and lungs look clear then either put him on antibiotics and a cough suppressant if he isn't on anything or change the medications since he isn't improving and is actually getting worse. I worry about older dogs with possible kennel cough. The young and the old have increased risk for kennel cough to progress to pneumonia. I hope this helps and I wish Pete the very best!

My senior dog has kennel cough, honking, and lethargy. What now?

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