How long does a dog have to quarantine with kennel cough?

When our beloved dogs are afflicted with kennel cough, the heart-wrenching feeling is indescribable. Kennel cough, a common respiratory infectious disease in dogs, not only makes dogs uncomfortable, but also makes owners anxious. Among them, how long should dogs be quarantined after suffering from kennel cough has become one of the most concerned issues for owners. ​

Kennel cough, the full medical name is canine infectious tracheobronchitis, a disease caused by mixed infection of multiple pathogens, such as Bordetella, Mycoplasma and certain viruses, may be the culprit. This disease is highly contagious and is mainly transmitted through the air. Imagine that in pet shops and kennels where dogs gather, when sick dogs cough and sneeze, droplets carrying pathogens will spread in the air, and once healthy dogs around inhale them, they are very likely to be infected. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, it is urgent to isolate sick dogs.​

In the early stages of kennel cough, the symptoms may be relatively hidden, and the dog may only cough occasionally, which is not likely to alert the owner. But as time goes by, the coughing will become more frequent and severe, and the sound will be sharp, as if trying to cough out something, which makes people feel distressed. Some dogs will also have symptoms such as runny nose, lack of energy, fever, and loss of appetite. When we notice these abnormalities in the dog and diagnose it as kennel cough, isolation work must be started immediately. ​

Generally speaking, the isolation time for dogs with kennel cough is generally 2 to 4 weeks. The first 2 weeks are the critical stage for the development of the disease and the spread of the virus. At this time, the pathogens in the dog's body are very active and the infectiousness reaches its peak. Isolating the dog can effectively block its contact with other healthy dogs and greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission. At the same time, this period is also extremely important for the dog's own recovery. In a quiet, independent isolation environment, the dog can rest at ease, reduce external interference, and avoid worsening of the disease. During this period, the owner can also take care of the dog more attentively, feed medicine on time, and pay close attention to its symptom changes.

If after 2 weeks, the dog's cough and other symptoms are significantly alleviated, and the spirit and appetite gradually return to normal, this is certainly a good sign, but the isolation cannot be ended immediately. Because the pathogens of kennel cough may still remain in the dog's body and are still contagious. Therefore, it is generally necessary to isolate for another 1 to 2 weeks for consolidation observation. During this subsequent isolation period, the owner should continue to pay attention to the dog's physical condition to ensure that it recovers completely. If necessary, you can take the dog to the pet hospital for a reexamination. With the help of professional examinations such as X-rays and blood routine tests, the veterinarian can determine whether the inflammation in the dog's body has subsided and whether the pathogens have been cleared. Only when all the examinations are normal can the dog be considered to have completely defeated kennel cough, end isolation, and return to normal life. ​

During the isolation period of the dog, the owner's careful care is indispensable. Create a warm, dry and well-ventilated isolation space for the dog to live comfortably. Prepare sufficient clean drinking water. Coughing will cause the dog to consume a lot of water. Timely hydration can not only relieve throat discomfort, but also help metabolism and accelerate the excretion of toxins. In terms of diet, choose nutritious and easy-to-digest food to enhance the dog's immunity and help the body recover. If the dog has a poor appetite, the owner may wish to divide the food into small portions and feed it multiple times, or feed it the snacks it likes to stimulate its appetite. In addition, the owner should spend more time with the dog. Although it cannot play intimately as usual, calling softly and stroking gently can give the dog emotional comfort. During the quarantine period, the dog may feel lonely and uneasy. The company of the owner can make it regain confidence and have more courage to overcome the disease. ​

Every owner hopes that the dog can get rid of the torture of kennel cough as soon as possible and restore its former vitality. Reasonable quarantine time, combined with the owner's meticulous care, is the key to the dog's recovery. During this difficult time, we work hand in hand with the dog, looking forward to it regaining health, running happily again, and lighting up our lives with its enthusiasm.