Kennel cough & vets

[RunToEarth]

My dogs have recently been in contact with a dog who has just started presenting KC symptoms and one of my girls has had a couple of coughs this evening.

They are both fit, healthy dogs, am I right in thinking that it’s viral and therefore not much that can be done? I want to do the right thing but don’t want to take them to the vets unless it’s necessary as I don’t like giving ABs if I don’t have to, and with it being contagious I’d be wary of spreading it at the vets.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

it can be bacterial or viral. They probably won't need any treatment but ring your vets if you are worried. I did have to get one treatment a long time ago but he was a rescue and didnt have a lot of reserves at the time.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Can give honey or Benylin. If you're worried about spreading it the vet can come outside.

 

[Leo Walker]

My older dog is a bit of a drama queen. He had me convinced he was on his last legs. The vet told me he didnt need to see him unless it went on for a prolonged time or he was being sick etc. I gave human cough syrup which made me feel better if nothing else!

 

[JennBags]

I think they give ab's to puppies as they're at risk of pneumonia but there's not a lot they do for older dogs. We've been giving Manuka honey twice a day and it's cleared their coughs up quickly.

 

[RunToEarth]

Oh that’s interesting MoC I didn’t know that. I will keep my eye on them both and call the vet if I’m worried - I just didn’t want to be lax if most people usually take them to the vet to be seen.

 

[CinnamonChristmasCookie]

Honey, very soothing for them.

 

[dingle12]

Baby benylin and rest always work, also as much as my dogs have hated in the past I don’t walk them to keep the spread of it minimal xx

 

[meleeka]

I phoned vets for advice and they told me what to look out for. Fortunately it was mild for my dog.

 

[MurphysMinder]

As above , manuka honey and childrens benylin and rest , unless you are worried in which case speak to your vet. A word of warning, check the ingredients of cough medicine if you use a generic one. Some contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

Please keep them away from other dogs until at least 2 weeks after they have stopped coughing. Although for most dogs kc is little more than an inconvenience it can cause major issues for some, so it is only fair to isolate it as best you can.