My male Shihtzu is being treated for kennel cough . How long is he contagous .
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Karen Stacy says:
March 31st, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Kennel cough can last for a long time - the virus that causes kennel cough is airborne and spread through the cough, the saliva and mucous. The most closely related virus to the bordatello virus is the human version, known as the whooping cough, and the contagion is very similar. Basically, until your dog is no longer coughing, sneezing, or experiencing a runny nose/eyes, he is considered contagious. He will probably not be allowed into a day care or kennel, and should be groomed in seclusion, where a full cleaning and airing can be performed afterwards. Dogs can catch this virus anywhere, because it is airborne, so if a dog walked by the other side of the fence with it, your dog can catch it in their own yard.
Fortunately, it is not normally very dangerous unless a secondary infection or pneumonia is contracted afterwards, so treatment is a wonderful thing that will keep your pup safe. Like I said, it can take a long time. I have had vaccinated dogs that catch the virus and are well within a week with antibiotics, and I have heard of unvaccinated dogs contracting it and being ill for 3-6 months. These are both extremes, and most dogs fall within this spectrum.
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