kennel cough exposure

[jaspers mom]

Okay, we just came back from a walk. 

My old dog was sniffing and "playing" w/a 4 mth old bull dog.  After about five minutes of us hanging around, the dog growled at Jasper.  I mentioned that it was cute, because he was such a baby.  The owner replied, "Oh, he's not growling.  He has kennel cough." 

She didn't realize it was contagious.  She did say her pup has been on medication for 24 hours after I said that just like kids, he probably isn't contagious after being on antibiotics for 24 hours.  I hope she was telling the truth.  We are probably okay, right?  It was really five minutes of contact at most. 

[Kermit]

Well... honestly that's probably plenty of time for your pup to contract kennel cough, but that doesn't neccessarily mean he will get it. 
It is a virus, and there is no "cure" for it, vets just put dogs on anitibiotics and sometimes cough suppressants when they have it to help support them while their immune system fights it off. It ususally takes about a week. It is nothing too serious unless your dog has immunity problems.

Just keep n eye out for that hacking dry-cough. Our dog Furley had it recently and he just had a mild case and fought it off fine with no medications.

I hope your dog doesn't come down with it, but if he does, at least you will know exactly what it is.

[ZooCrew]

I agree that is enough time to contract it.  But in all honesty, your dog will probably be exposed to the virus many times over it's lifetime.  Most dogs never show any symptoms.  Of the ones that do, vets usually put them on antibiotics to fight off any secondary infections that might occur.

[Gypsy Jazmine]

I hope your pupper is o.k.!...Do yourself & your dog a favor & get Jasper the Bordatella vaccination each yr. for his health & your peace of mind.

[jaspers mom]

Thank you for the responses.  I'll be sure to keep an eye on him for the next week or two.  I love being able to come here for advice.