There is also a vaccine effective against Bordetella bronchiseptica, which can also cause kennel cough. Your veterinarian will let you know which vaccinations are more important for your dog to receive.
New strains of kennel cough occur regularly. Getting your dog’s vaccination updated can increase the likelihood that your dog will be protected. Because of the many causes of kennel cough, vaccination will not guarantee 100% that your dog will not get the disease. However, it will reduce the chances considerably. [8] X Research source
Keeping puppies isolated from other dogs, except litter mates and the mother, until they can get vaccinated is a good idea. Puppies don’t usually get vaccinated against the causes of kennel cough until they are around four months old. However, some of the intranasal drops can be given to puppies as young as three weeks of age.
To avoid this completely don’t share water or food bowls and wash them frequently in hot, soapy water. The same applies to toys that dogs may share while they are playing.
Gagging or coughing up a white foamy phlegm Fever Discharge from the nose Watery eyes Decreased appetite
Keep your dog away from dog parks or facilities that care for dogs, such as doggie day cares and boarding facilities, until your vet has cleared your dog’s health. Pick up your dog’s feces. You should probably do this whether your dog is infected or not but infected feces cause a health hazard. An uninfected dog having contact with infected feces is one way that the infection can spread. [14] X Research source
In more severe cases, antibiotics which are effective against Bordetella can be given. A dog which is actively coughing should not do any heavy exercise such as running, as this will aggravate the cough. Food and water intake should be monitored and encouraged to make sure the dog keeps eating and drinking. Collars used during leash walking may press against the dog’s windpipe causing severe irritation. Using a harness instead will help prevent this from happening.
