Generate Kennel Cough Treatment Plan for Dogs
Disclaimer: This treatment plan is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medication dosages and care routines can vary based on individual health conditions. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting or changing any treatment for your dog. Use of this tool is at your own risk.
Kennel cough is a very common respiratory infection in dogs, but many pet owners still have questions like: What exactly is kennel cough? How do dogs catch it? and Can I treat it at home? In this guide, we’ll answer all those questions, go over the typical symptoms to watch for, and introduce our free Kennel Cough Treatment Planner, a handy tool to help you take the best care of your furry friend.
- Activated Charcoal Dose for Dogs Calculator
- Allegra for Dogs Dosage Calculator
- Aspirin Dosage Calculator for Dogs
- Augmentin Dog Dosage Calculator
- Azithromycin for Dogs Dosage Calculator
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, medically referred to as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory condition that targets a dog’s trachea and bronchial tubes. Much like a human cold, it spreads rapidly in places where many dogs gather, including kennels, shelters, grooming centers and dog parks.
Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of viral and bacterial agents. The most common pathogens include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (a primary bacterial cause)
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Canine adenovirus
- Mycoplasma
These infectious agents weaken the dog’s respiratory defenses and lead to inflammation of the upper airways.
How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Dogs typically contract kennel cough through direct contact with infected dogs or exposure to contaminated surfaces. It spreads through airborne droplets, shared water bowls, or physical interaction like playing or grooming.
High-risk situations include:
- Staying in kennels or boarding facilities
- Attending dog daycare
- Visits to the groomer or vet clinic
- Interaction at dog parks
In poorly ventilated or crowded environments, the risk of transmission increases significantly.
Common Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs
Spotting the symptoms of kennel cough early is essential for prompt and effective treatment. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the dog’s age, immune strength, and whether secondary infections are present.
Typical signs include:
- A persistent, dry, honking cough
- Gagging or retching (often mistaken for choking)
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Watery eyes
- Mild fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy in more serious cases
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to isolate them from other dogs and begin appropriate care.
Kennel Cough Treatment Options
The approach to treating kennel cough depends on how severe the infection is. In many cases, especially mild ones, it can be treated at home with rest, hydration and immune support.
Veterinary treatment may include:
- Antibiotics like doxycycline for bacterial causes
- Cough suppressants to reduce throat irritation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Nutritional supplements to boost the immune system
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment, especially when administering medications.
How to Treat Kennel Cough at Home
Many pet owners ask, how to treat kennel cough at home without immediately rushing to the vet. For mild cases, home care can be very effective:
- Keep your dog warm and well-rested
- Use a humidifier to soothe irritated airways
- Offer nutritious food and fresh water to strengthen immunity
- Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce strain on the throat
- Keep your dog separated from other animals to avoid transmission
If the coughing continues beyond a week or becomes more severe, it’s important to consult a veterinarian right away.
Use Our Kennel Cough Treatment Planner for Custom Care
To make treatment planning easier, we’ve developed a free Kennel Cough Treatment Planner. This tool helps pet owners:
- Understand what treatment their dog may need
- Receive dosage recommendations tailored to your dog’s weight and the severity of symptoms.
- Follow a 7-day treatment routine tailored to your dog’s condition
- Learn about potential medications like doxycycline and safe cough suppressants
This interactive tool is especially helpful for mild to moderate cases where home treatment is appropriate. However, it’s essential to use it in consultation with your veterinarian’s advice.
How Our Kennel Cough Treatment Planner Calculates Medication and Dosage
Our Kennel Cough Treatment Planner uses a precise algorithm that takes into account your dog’s body weight and the severity of the symptoms to recommend appropriate medications and their dosages. The medications included are commonly used in veterinary care for treating kennel cough, primarily Doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a cough suppressant to relieve discomfort.
The dosage is calculated on a milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) basis, which is a standard method used by veterinarians worldwide. Here’s how the medication dosage is determined:
| Severity | Doxycycline (mg/kg) | Cough Suppressant (mg/kg) | Example for 10 kg Dog (Doxycycline / Cough Suppressant) |
| Mild | 5 mg/kg | 1 mg/kg | 50 mg / 10 mg |
| Moderate | 7 mg/kg | 1.5 mg/kg | 70 mg / 15 mg |
| Severe | 10 mg/kg | 2 mg/kg | 100 mg / 20 mg |
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?
In most cases, kennel cough lasts between 7 to 14 days. Dogs with mild infections often recover faster, especially with proper rest and care. More severe cases or dogs with compromised immune systems may take up to 3 weeks or longer to fully recover.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough in Dogs
It’s often simpler to prevent kennel cough than to manage it after infection. here are some strategies to prevent:
- Vaccination against Bordetella, canine influenza, and parainfluenza
- Avoid exposing your dog to crowded environments during outbreaks
- Ensure good ventilation and hygiene in kennels
- Boost your dog’s immune system with proper diet and supplements
Some boarding facilities require proof of vaccination before allowing entry.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
While many cases resolve without complication, you should contact your vet if:
- Your dog’s cough worsens or lasts more than 10 days
- They experience labored breathing or wheezing
- There is green or yellow discharge from the nose
- Your dog becomes very lethargic or stops eating
- Fever develops or symptoms escalate
Prompt treatment can prevent pneumonia or other complications.
Final Thoughts on Kennel Cough Treatment
In most cases, kennel cough in dogs can be effectively managed, particularly when identified early. By recognizing symptoms and using tools like our Kennel Cough Treatment Planner, pet parents can take fast and effective action.
We encourage all dog owners to stay informed, practice prevention, and consult a veterinarian when needed.
Sources and References
- Lappin MR, Blondeau J, Boothe D, Breitschwerdt EB, Guardabassi L, Lloyd DH, Papich MG, Rankin SC, Sykes JE, Turnidge J, Weese JS. Antimicrobial use Guidelines for Treatment of Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs and Cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases. J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Mar;31(2):279-294. doi: 10.1111/jvim.14627. Epub 2017 Feb 10. PMID: 28185306; PMCID: PMC5354050.
- Szatmári V, van Geijlswijk IM. Sub-Antimicrobial Dosage Scheme of Doxycycline for the Chronic Treatment of Bronchiectasis in a Dog. Vet Sci. 2022 Mar 15;9(3):137. doi: 10.3390/vetsci9030137. PMID: 35324864; PMCID: PMC8954054.
