How Long Should I Quarantine My Dog if He Has Kennel Cough?

Dealing with a dog suffering from kennel cough can be a challenging experience for pet owners.

As a highly contagious respiratory disease, it’s essential to take appropriate measures to prevent the infection from spreading to other dogs.

In this article, we’ll explore the recommended quarantine duration for a dog with kennel cough and provide some tips on ensuring a safe and comfortable recovery period for your furry friend.

How Long Is Kennel Cough Active?

Kennel cough is typically active for about 10-14 days from the onset of symptoms.

However, in some cases, it can last up to three weeks or more, depending on the severity of the infection and the specific pathogen involved.

It’s essential to monitor your dog’s symptoms and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about their recovery progress.

How Long Should I Quarantine My Dog if He Has Kennel Cough?

You should quarantine your dog for at least 10-14 days from the onset of kennel cough symptoms.

This duration helps prevent the spread of highly contagious respiratory diseases to other dogs.

However, the quarantine period may vary depending on the severity of the illness and the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Always consult with your veterinarian for guidance on your dog’s specific case.

What Are The Stages of Kennel Cough?

Stages of kennel cough include:

Stage 1: Incubation Period

During the incubation period, the dog has been exposed to the kennel cough pathogens but is not yet showing symptoms. This stage typically lasts between 2 to 14 days.

Stage 2: Onset of Symptoms

At this stage, the dog begins to show symptoms such as a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever or lethargy. These symptoms usually appear within 3 to 4 days after infection.

Stage 3: Acute Phase

The acute phase is when kennel cough symptoms are most severe and can last anywhere from 10 to 14 days. In some cases, it can even extend up to three weeks or more. During this stage, it’s essential to monitor your dog closely and provide proper care and treatment as advised by your veterinarian.

Stage 4: Recovery Phase

In the recovery phase, your dog’s symptoms will gradually improve, and it will start to regain its energy and appetite. This stage may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. It’s essential to continue monitoring your dog for any signs of relapse or lingering symptoms.

Stage 5: Post-Recovery Monitoring

Once your dog has fully recovered from kennel cough, it’s crucial to keep an eye on their health and ensure they don’t experience a relapse. Maintain good hygiene practices and avoid exposing your dog to environments where they may come into contact with other dogs carrying the infection.

How Do You Know When Your Dog is No Longer Contagious With Kennel Cough?

To determine if your dog is no longer contagious with kennel cough, observe for the absence of symptoms, such as coughing and nasal discharge, for at least 10-14 days.

Consult with your veterinarian to confirm that your dog has fully recovered before reintroducing them to other dogs or public environments.

Generally speaking, most dogs are no longer contagious after two weeks of treatment with antibiotics. However, this timeline may vary depending on the severity of the infection and other factors such as age and overall health.

If your dog has been exposed to other dogs during their recovery period, it’s best to keep them away from other animals until they are no longer contagious.

This will help prevent the spread of kennel cough to other pets in your household or community.

Is It OK To Walk a Dog With Kennel Cough?

It’s generally not recommended to walk a dog with kennel cough in public places or near other dogs, as the disease is highly contagious.

However, providing them with some gentle exercise in a private area, like your backyard, may be beneficial for their recovery.

Always consult with your veterinarian about the best care plan for your dog during their illness, and ensure they are fully recovered before taking them on regular walks in public spaces.

How Long Before You Can Walk a Dog With Kennel Cough?

You should wait at least 10-14 days from the onset of kennel cough symptoms before walking your dog in public spaces or near other dogs.

The duration of kennel cough varies depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly your pup responds to treatment.

Generally, it is recommended that you wait at least two weeks before walking a dog with kennel cough.

This is because the impact of activity can interfere with recovery time and make coughing episodes more severe for the dog.

If symptoms persist after two weeks, consult your veterinarian for further instructions before taking your pup out for a walk.

How Much Rest Does a Dog With Kennel Cough Need?

For mild cases of kennel cough, treatment may only include supportive care, which focuses on rest, nutrition, and hydration. Healthy dogs typically recover from a bout of kennel cough after resting for a week or two.

If your dog has been diagnosed with kennel cough, it’s important to provide them with plenty of rest to help their body fight off the infection.

Avoid taking them out for walks or playing too much to reduce the amount of coughing they do. You should also keep them away from other dogs to prevent further spread of the infection.

Make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water and nutritious food so that they can stay hydrated and get the energy they need to recover quickly.

In addition to rest, there are some home remedies you can use to help relieve your pup’s symptoms while they’re recovering from kennel cough.

Honey in warm water can soothe their throat and minimize coughing, while garlic added to their diet can help boost their immune system.

You may also want to consider using a humidifier in your home (without any medications or oils) as this can help ease congestion and make breathing easier for your pet.

In Conclusion

Quarantining your dog for at least 10-14 days if they have kennel cough is crucial to prevent the spread of this contagious respiratory disease.

It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice, provide a comfortable environment, and monitor your dog’s symptoms during the recovery period.

With proper care and attention, your furry companion can successfully overcome kennel cough and return to their usual playful self.