Kennel Cough

What is kennel cough:

Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs commonly contract kennel cough in places where large amounts of dogs socialise, such as boarding and daycare facilities and activity areas like walking tracks, the beach etc. Dogs can spread it to one another through the air (like a human cough), direct contact (e.g., touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water/food bowls). It is treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age and compromised dogs (eg sick or old).

Symptoms:

If your dog is affected with kennel cough, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound – this is the most obvious symptom
• runny nose
• sneezing
• lethargy
• loss of appetite

Treatment:

A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection to ease the symptoms and your pet will need to be well rested as well as quarantined from other dogs to prevent spread. If you notice your pet coughing or you want to try and avoid kennel cough all together speak with your veterinarian today as early treatment  (if required) will help keep your pets safe and healthy .

Prevention:

Vaccinate to prevent contracting this disease today! When vaccinated your dog may still contract a form of the disease but the symptoms are far more manageable and your dog will recover far sooner.