Kennel Cough is a respiratory infection that causes a nasty cough in dogs that can last for several weeks. In a similar way to human colds, it is caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses
Kennel cough is a highly infectious disease in dogs that causes a hacking cough. It’s the common name given to infectious bronchitis in dogs. It affects a dog’s respiratory system hence the cough.
Just like the cold and flu virus in humans, there are lots of strains of kennel cough. This means that dogs can pick up the infection multiple times throughout their lives and there is no lasting immunity even if your dog has had Kennel Cough before.
The main symptom is the cough, which is often described as a ‘hacking cough’. It may sound like your dog is trying to clear something stuck in their throat or retching. Occasionally they may also cough up frothy white phlegm.
Some dogs will also have a runny nose, eye discharge and be a bit sneezy.
The symptoms of kennel cough typically take up to 14 days to develop and can then last between one and three weeks.
Although most dogs don’t appear to be very unwell and will recover well within a few weeks, you should always talk to your vet if the cough persists or if your dog also has:
In a healthy adult dog kennel cough may be nothing more than a nuisance as your dog will be eating normally and generally in good health. However, there are different strains of kennel cough and some can be worse than others, and many more serious diseases, such as lung cancers, pneumonia or heart failure will also have a similar cough as the major symptom.
In elderly or unwell dogs and puppies the condition can sometimes be more serious and develop into pneumonia. If you’re worried about your dog, please always contact your vet immediately.
The good news is that there is a kennel cough vaccination available, which reduces the risk of your dog contracting kennel cough
The most effective kennel cough vaccine is squirted up the nose, it doesn’t involve a needle. Most dogs tolerate this very well as it is such a small amount of liquid. It’s important to note that although the vaccine isn’t usually included in the primary puppy vaccinations or the yearly booster vaccine as standard, we strongly advise it for almost all dogs, as most dogs will have contact with other dogs at some point in their daily routine. It’s offered separately but can be given at the same time as a booster vaccination – your dog will be protected for 12 months.
If your dog is around other dogs, is going into kennels or attends ‘doggy day care’, we recommend vaccinating them against kennel cough. It is also worth noting that most of these establishments will require proof that your dog has been vaccinated.
The kennel cough vaccination is included in the Medivet Healthcare Plan along with all of the other vaccinations that your puppy needs to stay fit and healthy.
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