Is It Okay to Leave My Dog Home Alone with Kennel Cough?
The short answer is generally no. Leaving a dog with kennel cough home alone is usually not recommended due to the need for monitoring, potential complications, and ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Understanding Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting dogs. It’s comparable to a human cold, characterized by inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. Several bacteria and viruses can cause it, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus, and canine parainfluenza virus.
- Transmission: Kennel cough spreads rapidly through airborne droplets produced when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as shared water bowls or toys, can also transmit the disease.
- Symptoms: The hallmark of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful, hacking cough. Other symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever (rare)
Risks of Leaving a Dog with Kennel Cough Alone
Leaving your dog with kennel cough home alone presents several potential risks:
- Worsening Symptoms: Without monitoring, you won’t know if your dog’s symptoms are worsening. The cough could become more severe, leading to breathing difficulties, dehydration, or secondary infections like pneumonia.
- Dehydration: The constant coughing can be tiring and discourage your dog from drinking water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
- Inability to Seek Help: If your dog experiences a sudden complication, like severe respiratory distress, they won’t be able to get help.
- Emotional Distress: Being sick and alone can be frightening and stressful for your dog, potentially hindering their recovery.
What to Do Instead: Managing Kennel Cough at Home
If your veterinarian advises home care, consider these steps:
- Consult with Your Veterinarian: Before leaving your dog alone, it’s crucial to get veterinary advice. They can assess the severity of the infection and recommend appropriate treatment, including cough suppressants or antibiotics.
- Provide a Comfortable Environment: Ensure your dog has a warm, quiet, and comfortable place to rest. A humidifier can help soothe irritated airways.
- Offer Plenty of Water: Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can try offering water in different ways, such as from a bowl, a syringe, or flavored with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Avoid Exercise and Excitement: Minimize physical activity and excitement, as these can trigger coughing fits.
- Isolate Your Dog: To prevent the spread of kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs, especially those that are unvaccinated.
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Regularly check your dog’s breathing, coughing, and overall condition. If their symptoms worsen or they develop new symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Alternatives to Leaving Your Dog Alone
If is it OK to leave my dog home alone with kennel cough? is the question, and the answer is no, then consider these alternatives:
- Ask a Friend or Family Member: Enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to check on your dog during the day.
- Hire a Pet Sitter: A professional pet sitter can provide personalized care for your dog in your home.
- Dog Daycare (With Restrictions): Some dog daycares may accept dogs with mild kennel cough, provided they are separated from other dogs. However, this is uncommon due to the highly contagious nature of the illness. Confirm their policy with the facility.
- Work From Home: If possible, work from home to keep a close eye on your dog and provide the care they need.
Key Considerations When Deciding
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| ——————— | ———————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Symptom Severity | Mild symptoms might allow for brief periods alone, while severe symptoms require constant supervision. |
| Dog’s Temperament | Anxious dogs may experience more distress when left alone, potentially worsening their condition. |
| Access to Veterinary Care | Proximity to veterinary care is important in case of emergencies. |
| Availability of Support | If you have someone who can check in on your dog, it reduces the risks associated with leaving them alone. |
| Risk of Spreading | Consider the risk to other animals. Even brief contact can spread the disease. Is it OK to leave my dog home alone with kennel cough? Not if it endangers other pets! |
FAQs About Leaving Dogs Alone with Kennel Cough
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of leaving your dog alone when they have kennel cough:
Can kennel cough cause permanent damage to my dog’s lungs?
While kennel cough is usually a self-limiting illness, meaning it resolves on its own within a few weeks, in rare cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia. Pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage, especially in young puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems.
How long is kennel cough contagious?
Dogs with kennel cough can be contagious for several weeks, even after they appear to have recovered. Typically, dogs shed the infectious agents for around 7-10 days after symptoms resolve, but some dogs can shed the bacteria for up to 14 weeks. Consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Are there any over-the-counter medications I can give my dog for kennel cough?
While some over-the-counter cough suppressants formulated for humans might seem tempting, it’s crucial to avoid giving any medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to dogs, and even those that are safe can have incorrect dosages or interact negatively with other medications. Your vet can prescribe safe and effective treatments specific to your dog’s needs.
What if my dog only has a mild case of kennel cough?
Even with a mild case of kennel cough, it’s still important to monitor your dog closely. Symptoms can worsen rapidly. While you might be able to leave them for short periods, frequent check-ins are essential to ensure they are comfortable and not experiencing any complications. Ultimately, the decision about is it OK to leave my dog home alone with kennel cough? depends on careful assessment.
Can my vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?
Yes, even vaccinated dogs can contract kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccine doesn’t protect against all the viruses and bacteria that can cause the illness, but it can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the infection.
What are the signs that my dog’s kennel cough is getting worse and needs veterinary attention?
Signs that your dog’s kennel cough is worsening include: difficulty breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, severe coughing fits, and discharge from the eyes or nose. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
How can I prevent my dog from getting kennel cough?
The best way to prevent kennel cough is through vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian about the kennel cough vaccine and ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Avoid exposing your dog to other dogs that are coughing or showing signs of illness, and maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands after interacting with other dogs.
Is kennel cough dangerous to humans?
Kennel cough is generally not transmissible to humans. However, Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the bacteria that can cause kennel cough, can occasionally infect people with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy.
How do I clean my house to prevent spreading kennel cough to other pets?
To prevent the spread of kennel cough, thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces your infected dog has come into contact with, including bedding, food and water bowls, toys, and floors. Use a disinfectant that is effective against both bacteria and viruses, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
My dog keeps coughing up white foam; is this normal with kennel cough?
Coughing up white foam is sometimes observed in dogs with kennel cough. It is often a result of the forceful coughing that leads to the irritation of the airways and the production of excess mucus and saliva. While not necessarily alarming, it is important to mention this symptom to your veterinarian as it could indicate other respiratory issues.
What is the best home remedy for kennel cough?
There is no single “best” home remedy for kennel cough. Ensuring your dog is comfortable, hydrated, and getting plenty of rest is crucial. A humidifier can also help soothe irritated airways. However, home remedies should never replace professional veterinary care. Always consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Is it OK to leave my dog home alone with kennel cough? While giving home remedies? No, you need to monitor them after administering any kind of remedy.
How long will it take for my dog to recover from kennel cough?
Most dogs recover from kennel cough within 1 to 3 weeks. However, the recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the infection, the dog’s age and overall health, and whether they develop any complications. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and ensure your dog gets plenty of rest and supportive care to promote a speedy recovery.