My puppy has kennel cough. What can I do to help? Is it dangerous?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Maria DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 23rd, 2018

  Kennel Cough is typically viral. I recommend putting Tobu in the bathroom while you shower so the steam will help. Typically I recommend a veterinarian to make sure it is kennel cough and to make sure his lungs are clear. If you did not want to take Tobu to a vet then if the coughing gets worse, he becomes lethargic, anorexic or has difficulty breathing he does need a veterinarian. Kennel cough can develop into a secondary bacterial infection and they can get bronchitis or pneumonia with it. Always remember it is contagious so keep him away from other dogs. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 9th, 2017

  Congratulations on your new addition! Kennel cough is an infection that occurs due to a large number of different infectious bacterial and viral agents. While a previous infection does not make Marley more susceptible to new infections of kennel cough, if he has been around a number of other dogs (dog parks, groomers, kennels), he is more likely to acquire another bout kennel cough. Very mild cases of kennel cough can resolve on their own, but more severe cases can progress to pneumonia. If you are concerned that Marley has been coughing (or his initial cough never completely went away), I recommend taking him to the vet for an exam. There is a chance that he may need another course of antibiotics or medications to dilate his airways to help him along. I hope that he feels better soon!

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 12th, 2020

  Hello. Coughs are quite common in older pets, but that does not mean they are not serious. But the first thing that needs to be done is a good physical examination to listen to the heart for murmurs & the lungs for sounds of congestion. Coughs can be cause by infection, like bronchitis, pnuemonia & tracheobronchitis, heart failure, lung disease, tracheal problems, or from heartworm disease. Once the underlying cause is found, the appropriate medications & treatments can be recommended. I do hope Lucky is feeling better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful