It Sounds Serious
Kennel Cough is well-known and quite common when you get a lot of dogs gathering together, touching noses, or some contaminated bowl or other objects. And it can be serious for puppies younger than 6 months old.
The good news is that Kennel Cough is highly treatable, and most dogs can recover quite quickly. How well will your senior dog do when he or she contracts this disease? Just continue to read our FAQ article for the answer to that question.
It has the information you want to know about, so you do not panic and over-react when your treasured pet contracts this disease, but it is advisable to get an opinion from a veterinarian.
Is Kennel Cough Harmful to Senior Dogs?
In the majority of cases those dogs that contract kennel cough do not need medication. They will get over the disease fairly quickly and without harming themselves. But for senior dogs, this disease needs to be taken seriously as it can develop into pneumonia.
Does the Disease Last Long in Senior Dogs?
The general length of time it takes for your pet to get over this disease is about 3 weeks. However, if your pet is older or has existing illnesses, etc., then it may take twice as long for your pet to recover.
What is the Best and Fastest Way to Cure Kennel Cough?
The best and fastest way to cure kennel cough is to give your pet lots of water. This treatment will help flush the toxins out of your pet’s system and get them on the road to recovery very quickly. If your dog prefers ice cubes to the water, then give him plenty of those cold treats.
Do I Need to Take My Dog to the Vet When He or She has Kennel Cough?
It would be a good idea to go to your vet as soon as you identify that your dog is sick. There are different respiratory diseases your pet can catch, and the vet has the knowledge to tell you which one it is.
Once Kennel Cough is diagnosed, the basic treatment is rest and antibiotics.
Is Kennel Cough Fatal?
It will depend a lot on the health of your pet. Normally, this is a very mild disease that your pet can recover from quite quickly. But for puppies and those dogs with an unhealthy immune system, it is possible that your pet could die from this disease.
Is My Dog in Pain When He or She has this Disease?
The disease can be very irritating to your dog and he or she may get a sore throat while enduring this illness. The cough can sound worse than it really is, especially at night. You just have to endure the sound along with your dog.
What Can I Do to Help My Dog When They are Sick?
When it comes to Kennel Cough, the best thing you can do is take him or her to the vet and then follow the vet’s instructions. Give your pet the medication the vet prescribes in the right dosage and wait. It will be two to three weeks before you see your dog healthy again, at minimum.
Are There Medications to Treat Kennel Cough?
Yes, some of the more well-known ones are Baytril, Doxycycline, and Clavamox. However, these antibiotics serve only to stop secondary infections from coming into the picture. They do not stop the spread of the disease.
Can I Use Children’s Cough Medicine for My Dog?
It is possible to use Robitussin or Mucinex to treat your dog’s cough but those over-the-counter human medicines should only be used when your vet says it is okay.
Am I At Risk of Contracting Kennel Cough
Normally, you will find that only dogs will suffer from this illness but that does not mean other animals or humans cannot contract the disease. Cats, rabbits, horses, mice, and guinea pigs are also vulnerable to this disease.
The bad news is that humans can get it too. The good news is this is rare to see take place.
Can I Feed My Dog Honey When He or She is Sick?
Honey soothes sore throats, and it is great for children when they have colds. In small amounts, honey is okay to use when they contract Kennel Cough. It should soothe your pet’s throat and help them relax as well as provide minerals and vitamins to their body.
What Happens if I Do Not Treat Kennel Cough?
While most dogs can get over this illness in a few weeks, senior dogs face a tougher road. If you do not treat this illness your senior dog may get pneumonia or die.
Some Final Words
While this disease is a mild one, it is never a good idea to leave it untreated. A quick trip to your vet will help calm your fears and give you the directions or medications you need to make sure your senior dog survives.
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