Kennel cough symptoms and ways you can treat the illness

Kennel cough, like the name suggests, can cause your dogs to cough due to it being a respiratory infection.

A number of different bacteria and viruses can cause the illness, and it is normally a combination of both

Here's all you need to know including symptoms, ways to treat it and how long it could last.

Kennel cough can cause dogs to have a runny nose and to sneeze (Image: Canva)

Kennel cough symptoms

According to Blue Cross aside from a cough other symptoms of kennel cough include your dog having a runny nose, sneezing or producing eye discharge.

Describing the coughing the organisation says it will be a "forceful, hacking cough" which sounds like your dog has something stuck in their throat.

They add: "The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus.

"It is distinct from a cough-like sound known as reverse sneezing, which is common in certain breeds and is triggered by irritation in the throat."

Kennel cough treatment

Blue Cross recommends a number of steps to help your dog recover from kennel cough including making sure your home is well-ventilated and to avoid using a collar or lead.

This is because "any pulling might aggravate the windpipe further" so a harness would be better for taking them out on walks in this scenario.

They add: "Should treatment be given, antibiotics can kill the Bordetella bacteria – the most common present in kennel cough cases.

"Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories can also be given to make your pet a bit more comfortable as they make a natural recovery."

How long does Kennel cough last?

Kennel cough should go away on its own without treatment within three weeks but it can sometimes last up to six weeks.