KENNEL COUGH ALERT – What every dog owner should know

CANINE INFECTIOUS TRACHEOBRONCHITIS aka “KENNEL COUGH”

What is it?

Kennel cough is a viral disease similar to the dog “flu” which can be caused by multiple different viruses. The kennel cough vaccination your dog gets protects against some of these viruses but not all so even if they are vaccinated, they can still get the cough if another virus is going around, but often they will have milder signs.

How can my dog get it?

Kennel cough is often caught when at doggy daycare, at the groomers or around other dogs, but they still can pick it up just from walking past another dog as it is spread by small droplets from sick dogs that cough and sneeze.

Even if your dog has contracted kennel cough, they may not show any signs until 10 days after the contact. And the cough itself can last up to 2 weeks!

What does it look like?

A sudden dry hacking cough

Retching and gagging, even bringing up foam

Being “off” and a bit lethargic

Runny nose and loud snorting / sneezing

It is most important to protect young and old dogs, and this is when it can become complicated with pneumonia.

When should you come to see us?

Most dogs don’t need to be seen if they have kennel cough, as it is a virus and will pass. BUT if your dog stops eating, is quiet or seems to be struggling for breath.

Please DO NOT come into the clinic when you arrive, wait in your car and call us to let us know you are there.

If you want to know more, give your closest Vetora clinic a call!

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