Yes, in most cases, kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease) will go away on its own without specific medication, as it is often a self-limiting infection that resolves within 1 to 3 weeks. It is similar to a common cold in humans, often requiring only rest and supportive care, such as using a harness instead of a collar to prevent throat irritation.

How long does kennel cough last without medication?

Is there a treatment for kennel cough? In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks.

Do you just let kennel cough run its course?

Kennel cough is a chest cold, nothing to vaccinate against and no need for antibiotics. Let it run its course. Watch for yellow nasal discharge, THEN it's an infection that requires an antibiotic but otherwise the dog should recover fine in a few days if he has a healthy immune system.

How do I get rid of kennel cough asap?

There is no easy home remedy for kennel cough other than time. Most dogs will clear the infection themselves in 10 to 14 days (with the exception of distemper, which can take weeks or months to clear). As long as the dog is acting fine otherwise and the cough is not worsening, you could wait before doing any treatment.

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. 

Kennel Cough and Heart Cough

How to tell if a dog has kennel cough?

Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex) symptoms usually start with a persistent, dry, "honking" cough, like something's stuck in the throat, often ending in a gag or retch that might bring up foam. Other signs include sneezing, runny nose/eyes, reduced energy, and sometimes a mild fever or decreased appetite. While often mild and self-limiting, severe symptoms like trouble breathing or lethargy require immediate vet care as they can signal pneumonia.

Should I panic if my dog has kennel cough?

Let your vet know if your dog is lethargic or is not eating well. Your veterinarian may recommend chest X-rays to evaluate your dog's lungs. Kennel cough in dogs is generally not considered a medical emergency—many cases may resolve without veterinary intervention.

What will a vet do for kennel cough?

Aggressive Antibiotic Therapy: For advanced and severe cases of kennel cough more aggressive courses of antibiotics may be recommended by your veterinarian. In these cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be administered, often via injection, to combat severe bacterial infections.

Can I still cuddle with my dog with kennel cough?

Yes, you can cuddle your dog with kennel cough for comfort, as it's not easily spread to humans, but you must isolate them from other dogs, wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, and change your clothes to prevent spreading it to other pets. Focus on rest and extra snuggles for your sick pup, but be cautious about transmitting the highly contagious virus between dogs via hands or clothing, notes this video on kennel cough. 

Should I throw away my dog's toys after kennel cough?

You should clean your dog's toys regularly, but that doesn't mean every day or even every week. Martha Stewart recommends cleaning your dog's toys every two weeks. Of course, if your dog's toy looks visibly dirty or there's been a recent case of kennel cough, you should disinfect and clean your toys as needed.

What not to do when your dog has kennel cough?

To prevent the spread of the disease, dogs with kennel cough should be isolated until after symptoms clear up. A general rule of thumb is to keep your dog away from other animals for two weeks after symptoms disappear.

What cleaner kills kennel cough?

Aside from Rescue™, numerous cleaning products can effectively kill the bacteria causing kennel cough. We recommend the following: Bleach (usually four ounces per gallon dilution). Care Biocide Plus (usually eight ounces per gallon dilution).

Can kennel cough live on bedding?

Dogs can catch CIRDC through close or direct contact (e.g., licking or nuzzling) with infected dogs, breathing in cough or sneeze droplets from infected dogs, and exposure to droplet-contaminated items such as toys, bedding, people's hands, or water bowls.

What are the stages of kennel cough?

Here are the stages of kennel cough:

• Incubation period: 3 to 10 days.
• Acute phase: a few days to several weeks.
• Recovery: 1 to 3 weeks.

What kills the kennel cough virus?

Surfaces are one of the primary ways Bordetella bronchiseptica spreads in environments like kennels, veterinary clinics, and homes with pets. To kill the bacteria, use effective disinfectants like bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats).

Do dogs feel ill with kennel cough?

Symptoms of kennel cough

Most dogs develop a hacking cough and stay otherwise quite well, but puppies, older dogs, and poorly dogs can develop more serious symptoms such as: A reduced appetite. Low energy (lethargy) A high temperature (fever).

What are the symptoms of the new dog virus going around 2025?

Symptoms of Dog Flu

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Sneezing.
• Lethargy.
• Green or yellow discharge around the nose and eyes.
• Laboured breathing.
• Decreased appetite.

What dog breeds are prone to coughing?

Overview. Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease of the trachea (windpipe) that causes chronic coughing. This is common in toy and small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles that are middle-aged or older.

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