Kennel Cough: All You Need to Know About Antibiotics

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, and is spread through contact with infected dogs or their respiratory secretions.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The most common symptoms of kennel cough include:

• Persistent, hacking cough
• Gagging or retching
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Treatment for Kennel Cough

There is no specific cure for kennel cough, but antibiotics can be used to treat the bacterial infection that causes it. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for 10-14 days, and should be given as directed by your veterinarian.

In addition to antibiotics, your veterinarian may also recommend other treatments to help relieve your dog's symptoms, such as:

• Cough suppressants
• Expectorants
• Rest
• Humidification

Preventing Kennel Cough

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog. The kennel cough vaccine is a modified live vaccine, which means that it contains a weakened form of the virus that causes the disease. The vaccine is given in a series of two or three injections, and provides immunity for one year.

In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting kennel cough, such as:

• Avoiding contact with infected dogs
• Keeping your dog away from areas where dogs congregate, such as dog parks and kennels
• Washing your hands after handling infected dogs
• Disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus

When to Call Your Veterinarian

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of kennel cough, it is important to see your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (CIT), also known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, and is spread through contact with infected dogs or their respiratory secretions.

Symptoms of kennel cough typically include:

• Persistent, hacking cough
• Gagging or retching
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Treatment for kennel cough typically includes antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection that causes it. In addition to antibiotics, your veterinarian may also recommend other treatments to help relieve your dog's symptoms, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, rest, and humidification.

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog. The kennel cough vaccine is a modified live vaccine, which means that it contains a weakened form of the virus that causes the disease. The vaccine is given in a series of two or three injections, and provides immunity for one year.

In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting kennel cough, such as:

• Avoiding contact with infected dogs
• Keeping your dog away from areas where dogs congregate, such as dog parks and kennels
• Washing your hands after handling infected dogs
• Disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of kennel cough, it is important to see your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Stories About Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Story 1: My dog, Buddy, got kennel cough a few years ago. He was coughing so hard that he was gagging and retching. I took him to the vet, and he was diagnosed with kennel cough. The vet gave him some antibiotics, and he started to feel better within a few days.

What we learned: Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be serious if not treated. It is important to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough and to avoid contact with infected dogs.

Story 2: My dog, Bella, got kennel cough last year. She was coughing so hard that she was having trouble breathing. I took her to the vet, and she was diagnosed with kennel cough. The vet gave her some antibiotics, and she started to feel better within a few days.

What we learned: Kennel cough can be a serious respiratory infection, especially for puppies and dogs with underlying health conditions. It is important to seek veterinary care if your dog is showing any of the symptoms of kennel cough.

Story 3: My dog, Max, got kennel cough a few months ago. He was coughing so hard that he was vomiting. I took him to the vet, and he was diagnosed with kennel cough. The vet gave him some antibiotics, and he started to feel better within a few days.

What we learned: Kennel cough can be a very contagious respiratory infection. It is important to keep your dog away from other dogs if he is showing any of the symptoms of kennel cough.

Pros and Cons of Kennel Cough Antibiotics

Pros:

• Antibiotics are effective in treating the bacterial infection that causes kennel cough.
• Antibiotics can help to relieve your dog's symptoms and make him more comfortable.
• Antibiotics can help to prevent serious complications from kennel cough.

Cons:

• Antibiotics can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Antibiotics can be expensive.
• Antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

FAQs About Kennel Cough Antibiotics

Q: What are the most common antibiotics used to treat kennel cough?

A: The most common antibiotics used to treat kennel cough are doxycycline, amoxicillin, and clavulanate.

Q: How long should I give my dog antibiotics for kennel cough?

A: Antibiotics should be given for 10-14 days, as directed by your veterinarian.

Q: What are the side effects of kennel cough antibiotics?

A: The most common side effects of kennel cough antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Q: Can I give my dog over-the-counter antibiotics for kennel cough?

A: No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter antibiotics for kennel cough. Antibiotics should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting kennel cough?

A: The best way to prevent your dog from getting kennel cough is to vaccinate him. You should also avoid contact with infected dogs and keep your dog away from areas where dogs congregate.

Q: What should I do if my dog has kennel cough?

A: If your dog has kennel cough, you should take him to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and other treatments to help relieve your dog's symptoms and prevent serious complications.

Call to Action

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of kennel cough, it is important to see your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Table 2: Treatment for Kennel Cough

Table 3: Prevention of Kennel Cough