Kennel cough is an inflammation of a dog’s respiratory system, where the most common symptom is a dry, hacking cough. It is often a highly contagious viral infection that can spread quickly among dogs in close proximity, such as dogs in a boarding kennel.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been exposed to another dog with kennel cough, symptoms will generally appear within 3 to 5 days. The dry cough associated with kennel cough often sounds to owners as if their pet is gagging on something caught in their throat. Kennel cough may also be associated with a fever in some cases.
Treatment for Kennel Cough
It can take 2 to 3 weeks for your Cavalier’s health to return to normal, in much the same way that most people need 2 to 3 weeks to recover from the flu. Your Veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the kennel cough from deteriorating into pneumonia. A cough suppressant may also be in order.
However, the best treatment plan is prevention. Most Vets recommend vaccinating your dog against the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.