Walking My Dog with Kennel Cough

Overview

Given its highly contagious nature, dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs to prevent further spread of the infection. For this reason, it is not recommended to walk your dog while it is suffering from kennel cough. Firstly, walking a dog in a public place may expose other dogs to infection, and secondly, being physically active while sick puts extra strain on their respiratory system, making it harder for them to recover.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly found in dogs. It spreads through respiratory droplets, such as those released when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Dogs with kennel cough may exhibit symptoms such as a persistent, dry, and hacking cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

Related: Kennel Cough in Dogs-Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Can My Dog Be Active with Kennel Cough?

While exercise is generally beneficial for dogs in maintaining their overall health, it's important to approach exercise with caution when your dog is suffering from kennel cough. 
Gentle, short walks on a leash for bathroom breaks are usually okay, but keep them brief and avoid any activities that may cause your dog to pant excessively or cough. If your dog is tired and happy to relax on his dog bed, don’t force him to go for a walk. All movement begins or ends at the dog's choice.

Does Kennel Cough Get Worse After Exercise?

In some cases, kennel cough symptoms may worsen after exercise. 
When a dog with kennel cough engages in exercise or any strenuous activity, their respiratory system is put under increased demand. This can lead to further irritation of the already inflamed trachea and bronchi, causing the coughing to intensify or become more frequent. The cough may sound more pronounced or "honking" after exercise.

Can I Walk My Dog with Kennel Cough?

If your dog has kennel cough, it's generally best to avoid walking them until they have fully recovered. Only consider a walk if it is very warm outside and you have a secluded area suitable for your dog. And most importantly make sure you understand how kennel cough can affect your dog's potential health. 

Factors to consider before walking your dog with kennel cough:

Dog's Level of Respiratory Infection

If your dog's cough is mild and they are showing minimal signs of respiratory distress, a short and slow walk in a secluded area with little to no contact with other dogs might be considered.

Dog's Energy

Kennel cough can make your dog lethargic and weak. If your dog is not showing interest in activities, lacks energy, and seems unwell, walking them might not be appropriate, even if the cough is mild.

Vet's Recommendations

Always consult your veterinarian before deciding to walk your dog with kennel cough. They will be able to assess your dog's condition and give you appropriate guidance based on their individual case.

How Many Exercises Should I Give My Dog with Kennel Cough?

The amount of exercise you should give your dog with kennel cough depends on the severity of their condition. For dogs with mild cases of kennel cough, short, slow, and gentle leash walks in a quiet and secluded area may be considered. Keep the walks brief to avoid putting too much strain on your dog's respiratory system. You may need to give them a quick walk for 10 to 20 minutes. Observe your dog during the walk and if they start to show signs of exhaustion or difficulty breathing, stop the walk immediately.

Tips for Exercising a Dog with Kennel Cough

Exercising a dog with kennel cough requires careful consideration and monitoring to ensure their safety and a smooth recovery. Here are some tips for exercising your dog with kennel cough:

1. Short Leash Walks

If your vet approves, take your dog for short, slow, and controlled leash walks in a quiet and secluded area. Avoid busy places with other dogs to prevent the spread of the infection.

2. Indoor Mental Stimulation

Since physical activity may be limited, engage your dog in mental stimulation games indoors.

Mental Stimulation Games

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs, and it can tire them out effectively. Engage your dog in interactive games that challenge their mind, such as puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or hide-and-seek games with their favorite treats or toys.

Gentle Training Sessions

Use this time to reinforce or teach your dog new tricks or commands using gentle training methods. Training sessions can be mentally engaging for your dog and can help strengthen your bond with them. Keep the sessions short and positive, as your dog may tire more easily while they recover.

Indoor Fetch

If your dog enjoys playing fetch, you can modify this game for indoor use. Choose a soft, lightweight toy that won't cause any harm if it accidentally hits objects in the house. Play fetch in a clear area to prevent any accidental collisions and allow your dog to retrieve the toy at a relaxed pace.

Tug-of-War (Gentle Version)

Tug-of-war can be a fun and interactive indoor game, but it's crucial to play it gently to avoid putting too much strain on your dog's respiratory system. Use a soft tug toy and allow your dog to initiate and control the game's intensity. If your dog starts to cough or shows signs of fatigue, stop immediately.

Indoor Obstacle Course

Create a simple obstacle course using household items like pillows, chairs, and cardboard boxes. Encourage your dog to go over, under, or around these obstacles. This activity can provide physical and mental stimulation while keeping your dog entertained indoors.

3. Monitor Breathing

Pay close attention to your dog's breathing during activities. If you notice any signs of respiratory distress, like excessive coughing, wheezing, or rapid breathing, stop the walk immediately and let your dog rest.

4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Proper hydration supports their immune system and helps with recovery.

Do Dogs with Kennel Cough Need Rest?

Yes, dogs with kennel cough absolutely need rest. Rest is a critical part of their recovery process.

Just like any other illness, the body needs time to fight the infection and heal. When a dog has kennel cough, their respiratory system is inflamed and irritated, leading to coughing fits and possibly respiratory distress. Rest allows the body to heal, reduces stress on the respiratory system, and aids in a quicker recovery.
While providing rest, there are indeed other things you can do to support your dog's recovery from kennel cough:

1. Wet Food and Hydration

Offering wet or moistened food can be beneficial for dogs with kennel cough, especially if they have a sore throat or difficulty eating dry kibble. Wet food can be easier to swallow and can help keep them hydrated. Ensuring your dog stays well-hydrated is essential for their recovery.

2. Avoid Irritants

Keep your dog away from irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong odors, and dusty environments, as these can worsen their cough.

3. Steam Therapy

You can create a steamy environment in your bathroom by running hot water in the shower and letting your dog stay in the bathroom for a short period. The steam can help soothe their respiratory passages and ease their breathing.

4. Elevated Sleeping Area

Elevating your dog's sleeping area slightly can help them breathe more comfortably, especially if they experience coughing fits while lying down.

5. Complete the Prescribed Treatment

If your veterinarian prescribed medications such as antibiotics or cough suppressants, make sure to administer them as directed and complete the full course of treatment.

Can Humans Get Kennel Cough from Dogs?

Yes, humans can contract some form of kennel cough from dogs, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main culprits of kennel cough. It can also cause respiratory infections in humans, however, in healthy individuals, these infections are usually self-limiting and subside without any specific treatment. So when your dog develops a cough or respiratory symptoms, take care to wear a muzzle and wash your hands regularly, and regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects touched by your infected dog. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not advisable to walk your dog while they have kennel cough. Walking them in public areas puts other dogs at risk of infection, prolongs their recovery, and adds unnecessary stress to their already weakened condition.