Is kennel cough a bacterial infection?
Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that’s caused by both bacteria and a virus. It affects a dog’s lungs, windpipe, and voice box. The most common bacteria behind kennel cough is called Bordetella bronchiseptica. In fact, a lot of people refer to kennel cough as bordetella.
Do dogs need antibiotics for kennel cough?

Typically, mild cases of kennel cough are treated with a week or two of rest, but a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection and cough medication to ease the symptoms.
What antibiotics do dogs get for kennel cough?
Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics to help your dog recover. Some of the most widely prescribed antibiotics for kennel cough include Baytril, Doxycycline, and Clavamox.

How long should a dog be on antibiotics for kennel cough?
Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium. “… most infections resolve within one to three weeks.” Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks.
Can a dog recover from kennel cough without treatment?
Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment.
What does it mean when your dog has kennel cough?
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a general term used to describe a viral and/or bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the throat as well as other upper respiratory symptoms. The condition will often resolve on its own, however, it is uncomfortable for your canine pal and highly contagious.
How long does it take for kennel cough to clear up?
1 Kennel cough is a respiratory infection caused by a number of bacteria and viruses. 2 It is not usually dangerous and normally clears up without treatment within a few weeks. 3 Apart from your dog coughing, the infection is unlikely to make them feel ill. 4 But puppies, elderly dogs and those with existing medical conditions can be susceptible…
Can a kennel cough in an elderly dog become pneumonia?
But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia. Depending on the germs which have caused the virus, some strains of the infection can also be more severe than others. How can dogs catch kennel cough?
What can you give a dog for a kennel cough?
In more severe cases of kennel cough, vets prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline. However, vets won’t prescribe steroids or cough suppressants because these drugs could have an immunosuppressant effect and hamper the dog’s ability to recover. Bronchodilators may be used to relieve coughing symptoms.
What is the most affective antibiotic used for kennel cough?
Doxycycline is the generic brand of Vibramycin, and it is probably one of the more commonly used antibiotics against kennel cough. It works in the same manner that azithromycin does by prohibiting the ability of the bacteria to reproduce.
Can/does kennel cough go away by itself?
Most cases of kennel cough go away on their own, but some doctors will prescribe antibiotics in hopes of killing the Bordetella organism. You can also give the infected dog vet-approved cough suppressants to provide comfort while he battles the illness.
How dangerous is kennel cough?
While a nuisance, kennel cough is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all. But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia.
Will kennel cough ever go away?
The kennel cough is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system. Normally, the kennel cough symptoms will only be present for a few weeks and should go away without any specific treatment.