fbpx
Pet Struggles
TRENDING
  • Can Dogs Take Penicillin
  • Best Indestructible Dog Beds
  • 20 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
No Result
View All Result
  • Cats
    • Cat Backpack
    • Beds
      • Heated Cat Bed
    • Cages
    • Collars
    • Cat-Proof Couch Cover
    • Cosequin For Cats
    • Costumes
    • Dental Treats
    • Cat Door
    • Cat Food
      • Automatic Cat Feeders
      • For Diabetics
      • Dry Kitten Food
      • High Calorie
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Limited Ingredient
      • For Maine Coons
      • For Siamese Cats
      • Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
      • Wet Food for Older Cats
    • Dewormers
      • Kitten Dewormers
    • Flea Collar for Cats
    • Grooming Glove
    • Kitten Shampoo
    • Litter Scoopers
    • Nail Clippers
    • Odor Control Cat Litter
    • Outdoor Playpen
    • Pepcid For Cats
    • Probiotics for Cats
    • Top Entry Litter Box
    • Cat Tags
    • Toothpaste for Cats
    • Cat Trees for Large Cats
  • Dogs
    • Beds
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • Indestructible Beds
      • For Labs
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Schnauzers
      • For Yorkies
    • Brushes
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxers
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Huskies
      • For Labs
      • For Maltese
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Short Hair
    • Clippers
      • For Thick Coats
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Poodles
    • Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • Martingale Collars
      • For Pitbulls
      • Training Collar For German Shepherd
    • Crates
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Yorkies
      • For Goldendoodles
      • Husky Kennels
      • For Mastiffs
      • Pitbull Cages
      • Plastic Dog Crates
      • Soft Crates
    • Food
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Boston Terrier Puppies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Cane Corsos
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Corgis
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • Dry Dog Food For Havanese
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Short Haired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Golden Retriever Puppies
      • Grain-Free
      • High Fiber Food For Anal Gland Problems
      • For Husky Puppies
      • Hypoallergenic
      • For IBD
      • Natural Brands
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • To Prevent Gas
      • For Pugs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Skin
      • For Shedding
      • For Shichons
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Rottweiler Puppies
      • Royal Canin vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Taste Of The Wild vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Victor Dog Food vs. Diamond Naturals
      • For Yeast Infections
      • For Yorkies
    • Harnesses
      • For Beagles
      • For Bulldogs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Large Breeds
      • For Small Breeds
    • Leashes
      • For Pitbulls
      • Retractable
      • For Running
    • Shampoo and Conditioner
      • Antibacterial Antifungal Dog Shampoo
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Husky’s
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Oatmeal
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • Waterless
    • Toys
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Teething Puppies
      • For Blind Dogs
      • Tug Toys
  • Blog
    • Cat Breeds for Kids
    • Cat Names
      • For Black Cats
      • For White Cats
      • For Siamese Cats
    • Crating Your Dog While at Work
    • Do Bark Collars Work? 
    • Dog Names
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Harry Potter Names
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • Spanish Names
    • How to Get Rid of Fleas on Newborn Puppies
    • How to Remove a Tick from a Dog
    • Potty Training A Puppy With A Bell
    • Smartest Dog Breeds
  • About Us
SUBSCRIBE
  • Cats
    • Cat Backpack
    • Beds
      • Heated Cat Bed
    • Cages
    • Collars
    • Cat-Proof Couch Cover
    • Cosequin For Cats
    • Costumes
    • Dental Treats
    • Cat Door
    • Cat Food
      • Automatic Cat Feeders
      • For Diabetics
      • Dry Kitten Food
      • High Calorie
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Limited Ingredient
      • For Maine Coons
      • For Siamese Cats
      • Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
      • Wet Food for Older Cats
    • Dewormers
      • Kitten Dewormers
    • Flea Collar for Cats
    • Grooming Glove
    • Kitten Shampoo
    • Litter Scoopers
    • Nail Clippers
    • Odor Control Cat Litter
    • Outdoor Playpen
    • Pepcid For Cats
    • Probiotics for Cats
    • Top Entry Litter Box
    • Cat Tags
    • Toothpaste for Cats
    • Cat Trees for Large Cats
  • Dogs
    • Beds
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • Indestructible Beds
      • For Labs
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Schnauzers
      • For Yorkies
    • Brushes
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxers
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Huskies
      • For Labs
      • For Maltese
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Short Hair
    • Clippers
      • For Thick Coats
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Poodles
    • Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • Martingale Collars
      • For Pitbulls
      • Training Collar For German Shepherd
    • Crates
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Yorkies
      • For Goldendoodles
      • Husky Kennels
      • For Mastiffs
      • Pitbull Cages
      • Plastic Dog Crates
      • Soft Crates
    • Food
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Boston Terrier Puppies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Cane Corsos
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Corgis
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • Dry Dog Food For Havanese
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Short Haired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Golden Retriever Puppies
      • Grain-Free
      • High Fiber Food For Anal Gland Problems
      • For Husky Puppies
      • Hypoallergenic
      • For IBD
      • Natural Brands
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • To Prevent Gas
      • For Pugs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Skin
      • For Shedding
      • For Shichons
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Rottweiler Puppies
      • Royal Canin vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Taste Of The Wild vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Victor Dog Food vs. Diamond Naturals
      • For Yeast Infections
      • For Yorkies
    • Harnesses
      • For Beagles
      • For Bulldogs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Large Breeds
      • For Small Breeds
    • Leashes
      • For Pitbulls
      • Retractable
      • For Running
    • Shampoo and Conditioner
      • Antibacterial Antifungal Dog Shampoo
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Husky’s
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Oatmeal
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • Waterless
    • Toys
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Teething Puppies
      • For Blind Dogs
      • Tug Toys
  • Blog
    • Cat Breeds for Kids
    • Cat Names
      • For Black Cats
      • For White Cats
      • For Siamese Cats
    • Crating Your Dog While at Work
    • Do Bark Collars Work? 
    • Dog Names
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Harry Potter Names
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • Spanish Names
    • How to Get Rid of Fleas on Newborn Puppies
    • How to Remove a Tick from a Dog
    • Potty Training A Puppy With A Bell
    • Smartest Dog Breeds
  • About Us
No Result
View All Result
Pet Struggles
No Result
View All Result
Home Dogs

Amoxicillin For Kennel Cough

by Dr. Maureen
September 9, 2020
in Dogs, Medicine
golden labrador laying sadly on the floor
5
SHARES
8.9k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly found in dogs. It is also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is characterized by a dry hacking cough that mimics an unproductive vomiting/choking.

The symptoms are similar to bronchitis and other respiratory infections, therefore, require proper diagnosis by a veterinarian. Kennel cough can also be a symptom of other diseases such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, herpes virus among others.

It is a common infection animal shelters and boarding kennels. It also mostly affects puppies below the age of 6 months as well as those with low immunity. Kennel cough is a treatable disease. Depending on the cause various treatment options are available.

This includes antibiotics, corticosteroids, and in severe cases where affected dogs go of food, fluid therapy. Various antibiotics have been shown to be effective in treatment. Amoxicillin for kennel cough, however, is a popular drug among veterinarians.

It’s broad spectrum meaning it is effective and sensitive to multiple causative bacteria. Antibiotics are normally not effective in treating viral infections. In such situations, corticosteroids are prescribed as well as drugs to ease the cough.

What causes kennel cough?

Kennel cough has various etiologies. These include both bacterial as well as viral pathogens. The most common causative bacterium is Bordetella bronchiseptica. Viral causes include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, parainfluenza virus, and canine reovirus.

In some instances, both the virus and bacteria can occur together to cause an infection. It is thought that viral infections lower immunity predisposing the dog to secondary bacterial infections.

sleeping frenchie with a yellow teddy

How is it transmitted?

Transmission is through inhaling infected droplets coughed or sneezed out by an infected dog. Infected droplets spread across distances and remain viable in the air for a period of 2 weeks.

It can also occur through contact with contaminated floors, leashes, collars, food and water tins, or toys that have been in contact with an infected dog. Bordetella bacterium remains infectious on surfaces for a period of 48 hours. Dogs also in close contact with infected dogs can get also get infected.

This can occur either through sniffing or kissing each other’s noses. Its mode of transmission makes it a common finding in areas where dogs are in close contact. This includes boarding kennels, animal shelters, grooming shelters, training classes among others.

If a dog is suspected to be infected, isolation should be instituted to prevent spread and infection of the disease. Some dogs also act as carriers where they house the causative agents but show no outward symptoms. Infected dogs, on the other hand, continue to shed the infectious agents for a period of 6 to 14 weeks.

Various factors can predispose dogs to kennel cough. These include:

  • Existing bacteria or viral infections
  • Old age
  • Travel induced stress
  • Crowded enclosed places
  • Cold temperatures or weather
  • Exposure to dust

Once inhaled, the bacteria or viruses replicate on the mucous lining of the trachea leading to a lot of irritation. Common signs of infection include:

  • A persistent dry hacking cough
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Watery nasal discharge
  • Eye discharge

group of dogs looking at cameraHow long does it last?

In normal healthy dogs kennel cough last for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. In senior dogs, puppies, or immunocompromised dogs, symptoms may last up to 6 weeks.

Can amoxicillin be used to treat kennel cough?

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in treatment of various bacterial infections in dogs. Clavamox a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is effective in treating kennel cough. It is especially effective if caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Clavulanic acid potentiates amoxicillin by deactivating enzymes produced by a certain bacterium which causes degradation of amoxicillin in the bloodstream. Amoxicillin in itself can survive an acidic environment e.g. the stomach as is easily absorbable into the bloodstream.

Other antibiotics effective in treatment of kennel cough are baytril and doxycycline.

sleepy dog upside down on the couch

What are the side effects of amoxicillin?

Common side effects include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
  • Increased body temperature
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Labored breathing
  • Skin rashes and redness

These usually last for a day or two. If symptoms persist a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.

Natural remedies for kennel cough?

  • Organic coconut oil contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties as well as fatty acids which help to boost immunity.
  • Including raw honey in your dog’s diet helps to relieve sore throat. It also contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Aconite is also effective in treatment especially if used during the early stages of kennel cough.
  • Probiotics also help to boost immunity which can prevent kennel cough from progressing to pneumonia.

For further reading please click here.

elderly women playing with her dog in the park

Conclusion

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease among canines. It is however treatable with a good prognosis. Kennel cough is caused by both bacterial and viral microorganisms. They can at times occur together with viral infections predisposing the dog to the bacterial infection.

The most common causative bacterium is known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is spread through inhaling infected droplets coughed out by infected dogs. Contact with contaminated surfaces as well as infected dogs can also lead to infection.

Kennel cough spreads quickly in poor ventilated crowded spaces such as boarding kennels, animal shelters, grooming parlors among others. Common symptoms of infection are a persistent constant dry hacking cough that mimics choking.

Nasal discharge, lethargy, fever are also common. The disease, however, does not affect the dog’s appetite in most instances. Kennel Cough Treatment usually entails an antibiotic prescription from a veterinarian. Clavamox is effective in treatment though not to viral causes of infection.

This drug has side effects such as itching, nausea, labored breathing among others. They usually wear off within 48 hours but if persistent a veterinarian should be contacted.

Recovery occurs between 3 to 4 weeks though can extend to 6 weeks in immunocompromised dogs, puppies and seniors.

References

  • https://www.vetinfo.com/kennel-cough-treatment-amoxicillin-clavamox.html
  • https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/kennel-cough-in-dogs#1
  • https://petairapy.com/canine-cough-kennel-cough-in-dogs/
ShareTweetPin1
Dr. Maureen

Dr. Maureen

Dr. Maureen is a qualified and registered veterinary surgeon and an epidemiologist. With over 6 years of experience in Veterinary Medicine as well as 4 years of experience as a researcher, Maureen provides informative and well researched articles making her a valued member of the Pet Struggles team!

Related Posts

newborn pups cuddled up
Dog Health

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Newborn Puppies

January 20, 2021
Boxer dog being walked along a path with harness on
Dog Supplies

Best Harness For Boxers

Happy little orange havanese puppy dog is sitting in the grass
Dog Supplies

Best Brushes For Havanese

beautiful photo of a young boxer dog
Dog Supplies

Best Brush For Boxer Dogs

Healthy german shepherd dog photographed outdoors
Dog Supplies

Best Brushes For German Shepherds

A puppy pug munching on colorful rope toy
Dog Supplies

Best Puppy Teething Toys

Next Post
Cute labrador retriever puppy eating from bowl on floor indoors

Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppy

ADVERTISEMENT

Recent Reviews

Cute cat being checked up by a vet

Cosequin for Cats

Seeing your beloved pet in pain is never easy. Why not $15.77
Boxer dog being walked along a path with harness on

Best Harness For Boxers

Here's our review of the best harness for Boxers on the $7.99
Happy little orange havanese puppy dog is sitting in the grass

Best Brush For Havanese

Here's our review of the best brush for Havanese on the $5.57

Our #1 Recommended Dog Food

1. Ollie

$$$$
Check Price
50% Off First Box
2. Wellness Core

$$$
Check Price
30% Off Chewy.com
3. American Journey

$$
Check Price
30% Off Chewy.com
4. Taste Of The Wild

$$$
Check Price
30% Off Chewy.com

Disclaimer

PetStruggles.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. For more information, please read our privacy policy.

  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Blog
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Nutrition
  • Dog Supplies
Pet Struggles

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2019-2021 Pet Struggles - Made with love by pet lovers.

No Result
View All Result
  • Cats
    • Cat Backpack
    • Beds
      • Heated Cat Bed
    • Cages
    • Collars
    • Cat-Proof Couch Cover
    • Cosequin For Cats
    • Costumes
    • Dental Treats
    • Cat Door
    • Cat Food
      • Automatic Cat Feeders
      • For Diabetics
      • Dry Kitten Food
      • High Calorie
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Limited Ingredient
      • For Maine Coons
      • For Siamese Cats
      • Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
      • Wet Food for Older Cats
    • Dewormers
      • Kitten Dewormers
    • Flea Collar for Cats
    • Grooming Glove
    • Kitten Shampoo
    • Litter Scoopers
    • Nail Clippers
    • Odor Control Cat Litter
    • Outdoor Playpen
    • Pepcid For Cats
    • Probiotics for Cats
    • Top Entry Litter Box
    • Cat Tags
    • Toothpaste for Cats
    • Cat Trees for Large Cats
  • Dogs
    • Beds
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • Indestructible Beds
      • For Labs
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Schnauzers
      • For Yorkies
    • Brushes
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxers
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Huskies
      • For Labs
      • For Maltese
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Short Hair
    • Clippers
      • For Thick Coats
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Poodles
    • Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • Martingale Collars
      • For Pitbulls
      • Training Collar For German Shepherd
    • Crates
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Yorkies
      • For Goldendoodles
      • Husky Kennels
      • For Mastiffs
      • Pitbull Cages
      • Plastic Dog Crates
      • Soft Crates
    • Food
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Boston Terrier Puppies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Cane Corsos
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Corgis
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • Dry Dog Food For Havanese
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Short Haired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Golden Retriever Puppies
      • Grain-Free
      • High Fiber Food For Anal Gland Problems
      • For Husky Puppies
      • Hypoallergenic
      • For IBD
      • Natural Brands
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • To Prevent Gas
      • For Pugs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Skin
      • For Shedding
      • For Shichons
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Rottweiler Puppies
      • Royal Canin vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Taste Of The Wild vs. Blue Buffalo
      • Victor Dog Food vs. Diamond Naturals
      • For Yeast Infections
      • For Yorkies
    • Harnesses
      • For Beagles
      • For Bulldogs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Large Breeds
      • For Small Breeds
    • Leashes
      • For Pitbulls
      • Retractable
      • For Running
    • Shampoo and Conditioner
      • Antibacterial Antifungal Dog Shampoo
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Husky’s
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Oatmeal
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • Waterless
    • Toys
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Teething Puppies
      • For Blind Dogs
      • Tug Toys
  • Blog
    • Cat Breeds for Kids
    • Cat Names
      • For Black Cats
      • For White Cats
      • For Siamese Cats
    • Crating Your Dog While at Work
    • Do Bark Collars Work? 
    • Dog Names
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Harry Potter Names
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • Spanish Names
    • How to Get Rid of Fleas on Newborn Puppies
    • How to Remove a Tick from a Dog
    • Potty Training A Puppy With A Bell
    • Smartest Dog Breeds
  • About Us

Copyright © 2019-2021 Pet Struggles - Made with love by pet lovers.