Kennel cough is generally worse at night and early in the morning. The hacking, honking cough often increases when the dog is resting or lying down. It can also be exacerbated by excitement, exercise, or pulling on the leash, which can trigger coughing fits throughout the day.

Does kennel cough get worse in the morning?

Usually the coughing is worse at night and in the morning and better during the day when the dog is moving around. Dogs with kennel cough are usually eating, drinking and acting fairly normal other than the coughing.

Why is dog coughing worse at night?

Indoor allergens (dust mites in bedding), cigarette smoke, or fragrance/cleaning residue concentrated in bedrooms can provoke cough more during nocturnal hours. Cooler, drier night air increases airway irritation in dogs with chronic bronchitis or asthma-like conditions.

How frequent is coughing with kennel cough?

After your dog comes in contact with an infected pet or a contaminated object, it can take between 3 to 14 days to start showing symptoms. A loud, honking cough is the most characteristic symptom of the illness. Your dog may cough 10-20 times in a row lasting over several minutes.

How to tell if it's kennel cough?

Coughing generally worsens with activity or exercise, which can irritate the airways. Even so, not all dogs with CIRDC will have a cough. Other common signs include sneezing and a runny nose or eyes. In most cases of CIRDC, the illness is mild and dogs fully recover within 7 to 10 days.

What Should You REALLY Do When Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough? | Vet Explains

How can I soothe a dog with kennel cough?

Supportive Care: Ensure the dog stays hydrated and comfortable. Use a humidifier or take the dog into a steamy bathroom to soothe irritated airways, and avoid using collars or leashes that may place unnecessary pressure on their neck and throat to avoid irritation.

Do I need to clean my house if my dog has kennel cough?

Yes, you need to clean and disinfect your house when your dog has kennel cough because the highly contagious bacteria and viruses can survive on surfaces (toys, bowls, bedding, floors, etc.) for days, potentially infecting other dogs; focus on high-contact areas and items, use disinfectants like bleach or veterinary-grade cleaners, and isolate the sick dog until they're well for about a week. 

What aggravates kennel cough?

There are some factors that exacerbate the likelihood that a dog will be infected by kennel cough: Being around/touching other dogs who have kennel cough. Sharing dog toys or food bowls with dogs who have kennel cough. Being kept in crowded conditions.

Is rest important for a coughing dog?

Rest: Keep your dog calm and avoid strenuous activities. Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier can help soothe the throat and ease coughing. Cough Suppressants: Your family veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to reduce discomfort.

What is the timeline for kennel cough?

The duration of kennel cough typically ranges from two to four weeks. Most dogs recover fully within this timeframe, though the cough may linger for several weeks, especially if the dog experiences stress or vigorous activity during recovery.

What are the red flags for kennel cough?

The primary sign to look out for is a deep hacking cough, which can sometimes lead to retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting. In some cases, you may only notice your dog starting to cough after excitement or exercise and you may also notice a discharge coming from your dog's eyes or nose.

What to feed a dog with kennel cough?

Good food choices are boiled chicken, boiled hamburger, or cooked rice. The food should not be seasoned or cooked with fat. Most dogs recover from kennel cough without treatment in approximately two weeks.

How does a vet confirm kennel cough?

Swabs can be taken to determine the exact virus or bacteria causing kennel cough – although this isn't always useful for treatment. If there are suspected complications, radiographs can be used to assess a dog's condition. If your dog is bright, perky, eating well and playful, you may not need to visit the vet.

How urgent is kennel cough?

Kennel cough in dogs is generally not considered a medical emergency—many cases may resolve without veterinary intervention. They may also recommend a nasal swab to send off for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or a culture to determine the underlying cause of your dog's infectious respiratory disease.

Does kennel cough come on suddenly?

Symptoms. The classic sign of CIRDC is a frequent, honking cough that comes on suddenly. This cough has also been described as gagging or retching, and it can involve froth that looks like vomit. Coughing generally worsens with activity or exercise, which can irritate the airways.

What kills kennel cough bacteria?

To kill the bacteria, use effective disinfectants like bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats). Regular cleaning of high-touch areas such as kennels, feeding bowls, countertops, and floors is essential.

What do vets prescribe for kennel cough?

However, in cases where the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, such as shelter situations, antibiotics may be prescribed. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline. In cases where the coughing prevents rest, anti-tussives — such as hydrocodone, butorphanol or codeine — may be prescribed.

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