They are on cough meds to keep coughing to a minimum. In the crate the coughing is minimal, its usually when out running around that they get the coughing spells. They usually hack up a big foamy loogie which we clean up with clorox wipes and then mop daily with bleach. Do you think the vaporizer helps any?? I've been running one for several days. We've only had k/c one time before and it was very mild-barely knew the dog was sick except for an occassional clearing or slight cough. No runny nose or temp. If I didn't have a pregnant bitch this wouldn't be a problem, treat and go on, but now I have little ones to worry over.
Laura

but I have concerns about dogs becoming too lethargic with KC/pneumonia and having the lungs fill with fluid, so some movement is necessary and perhaps some coughing will result, but you don't want them getting rambunctous, as you said. If the coughing won't subside when the dog is resting, I would definitely give some cough medication.

keeping them as 'otherwise healthy' as possible so they can respond with total effort. This means of course, seeing that they are eating well, being kept from drafts, and overall light exercise schedule but not total confinement either...its a try and see situation, with avoiding activity that brings on coughing, much as we would for ourselves.

hey Chris-
My hands are so dry from washing and hand sanitizer 100 times a day. I am trying not to cross contaminate but with it being an airborne virus I think I am probably washing in vain. I feel like I'm bonded to hand sanitizer, Lysol spray and soap ))
It's hard to keep them separated when you have several.
Laura

so in the meantime a seemingly very healthy happy boy was spreading the plague throughout my household.... i am hoping to get it resolved here soon. can they keep reinfecting each other? we have been washing and using antibacterial hand cleaner non stop...

Chris.....

what you say makes total sense. Pneumonia can set up just by them laying around-by them getting exercise it keeps it moving-but how do I get them out when any exercise seems to bring on waves of coughing?? Even getting out to go to the potty brings it on. I have started walking the more rambunctious ones by themselves to keep from frolicking and cutting up with the others and bringing on the cough. It's almost a catch 22 sitution.
Laura

we are working on it!

Chris.....

you got that right... i am with you!!!!

Chris.....

I recently fostered a rescue with kennel cough. My vet prescribed antibiotics (doxycycline) and a cough suppressing pill. I also used a Vicks plug-in overnight for a few nights. She recovered quickly.

I kept her completely separate from my dog & washed my hands constantly. I also kept her away from other dogs & public places until she was non-contagious.

i guess i better go wig shopping ...... thanks Rotti!

Chris.....

As far as I know, because it's highly contagious, whether or not he's coughing isn't going to prevent spread. Sorry...
I would also think it probably depends on the strain? In most cases of kennel cough that I've seen, the cough has been dry and non-productive. In that case, I would thing that a cough suppressant would be OK. If the cough is productive, I would want the dog to cough. But, I know there are human meds that are combo cough suppressants and expectorants - I wonder if something like that could be used? Maybe check with the vet that says not to suppress?
In any event, I would crank up the humidifiers...

Olivia/Kano/Q-Ball

have been separated, but even so, it can still travel in one household. Its a judgment call, IMHO, as to whether the individual dog is suffering from the coughing...is it interferring with eating/resting...probably so...and I would give medications needed to allow dog to rest,if that includes cough medication, so be it...along with the a/b's of course. Altho other dogs in household are also affected, reduced coughing would lessen chance of spread since it can pass thru body fluids (saliva) as well via air.

I had kennel cough right through my lot twice last year

I was also told you could give cough medicine but didn't because already had meds.After about 5 days all 3 seemed better but finished meds.

I know it is highly contageous. Our vet said their are two strains of kennel cough. I remember our adopted boy three years ago getting kennel cough and our vet put him on an antibiotic and I had to keep him isolated from my other dog. My other dog didn't get kennel cough because I kept them seperated in different rooms while it ran it's course.