Kennel cough can still be contagious even after the coughing stops. The coughing is just one of the symptoms of kennel cough, which is actually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. While the coughing may improve or stop completely, the underlying infection can still linger in your dog’s respiratory system.
The contagious period of kennel cough can vary, but in general, dogs can continue to spread the infection for 2-3 weeks after their symptoms have cleared. This means that even if your dog seems fine and no longer coughing, they can still transmit the illness to other dogs they come into contact with.
It’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs and public spaces during this time to prevent the spread of kennel cough. This includes avoiding dog parks, grooming salons, boarding facilities, and any other areas where dogs gather. It’s also a good idea to avoid close contact with other dogs during walks or any other interactions.
If you have multiple dogs at home, it’s best to separate the sick dog from the healthy ones to prevent transmission. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling the infected dog to avoid spreading the infection to other surfaces or pets in your home.
While kennel cough is generally not a serious illness and most dogs will recover on their own with proper care, it can be more severe in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions. So, it’s important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection and protect other dogs from contracting kennel cough.
Kennel cough can still be contagious even after the coughing stops. Your dog can continue to spread the infection for 2-3 weeks after their symptoms have cleared. To prevent transmission, keep your dog away from other dogs and public spaces during this time.