If a dog starts coughing, how long would it have been since he was in contact with the condition?

Jean here is some info

http://www.ehow.com/facts_6133686_incubation-period-canine-kennel-cough.html

Till reading this I thought KC was due to one type of bug, now I know differently and the incubation period varies depending on which bug the dog has picked up.

Mine took a week to get the virus after coming into contact and sharing water with an infected dog. Went for a walk and the dog we were with started coughing as they shared water. Thought nothing of it. That evening his owner called me to say his dog had KC, but mine were all fine. Next week almost exactly they came down with it.

For this very reason, I never allow my dogs to share a water bowl.
Despite well-meaning intentions of shops, pubs, shows etc, I feel the risk is never worth it and always make certain I have water before we set off anywhere.

Thank you for that link.  I just wanted to pinpoint source for my own satisfaction!  I was curious, as my dogs had been exercised on my own land recently, due to my incapacitation after hospital procedures.  But I now believe, from that article, that it was picked up from a dog 10 days ago when someone visited me with their dog. 

I had a dog in hospital on Monday last week for a dental.  Two days later I had 2 dogs go down with what sounded like whooping cough.  As I had an appointment anyway with another dog, just for a once over prior to spaying, I discussed the 2 coughing dogs, and was prescribed antibiotics and Metacam, without the vet seeing my dogs.  From that Wednesday, I had another one or two dogs go down with it each day until Sunday.

As my dogs never go in kennels, I have never bothered with KC vaccine.  Although they are done for parainfluenza with the normal booster.

I am amazed at how differently each dog is affected.  Some are really poorly, bringing up white stuff like cuckoo spit, but containing a horrible slime.  Some sound as if they are coughing their heart out.  As the first 2 finished their antibiotics yesterday, I wondered how long before the coughing stops?  (I am still giving those 2 Metacam for their comfort.)

I have had to cancel 2 spays due to this problem (nuisance, as I had  booked them at the optimum time!)  How long before I can re-book?

May be the immune systems of some dogs is better than others so are less affected.

Hope they all settle down soon

I wondered how long before the coughing stops? 
When my girl had it she was coughing for about 5 days, then had to waite another 5 days beofr taking her out (vet advised keeping her in untill 5 days with no coughing). She only coughed up white stuff one and it was onyl a tiny bit so dont think she had it that bad. Hope yours get over it soon.

> If a dog starts coughing, how long would it have been since he was in contact with the condition?

2 - 14 days

>  I wondered how long before the coughing stops?

I had one that coughed for 24 hours only but continued to be a bit sniffly for a week, and another that coughed for 10 days.  There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule.  One thing you do want to watch for is reinfection so, whilst it's impossible to isolate dogs in the same household it's well worth practising good hygiene - such as that used when you or others have colds.  Keep surfaces clean, wash bedding regularly, don't allow your dogs to eat or drink from each others bowls, wash door handles, wash hands regularly etc

Good luck with it. By the time you get your lot through this you'll need a holiday :)

>By the time you get your lot through this you'll need a holiday

:-(  :-(  :-(

Sniff!  I was supposed to go on holiday last Thursday!  The first cough started on Wednesday!  I just couldn't trust someone else to measure out doses with my lot!

The only consolation that I do have, is that they are all pretty well trained.  So I have my tick list out and call each in order.  I find it easier than looking to see who is nearest, as I don't miss anyone if I go down a list in the same order every time.  I always do it in the kitchen, and it doesn't matter whether someone is out in the garden, or playing in another room.  Everyone comes when called, so I don't have to chase round after them.

Although I expect it's less to do with my training than the fact that "sweeties" get shoved into a lump of pate!  :-)  :-)