Posted On July 29, 2022

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a virus that causes a respiratory infection in canines. It usually spreads when dogs are in confined spaces together, like when they are boarded at kennels, hence the name. The disease usually manifests in a loud, honking and unproductive cough, a lack of appetite and a low fever. In healthier dogs, the disease is typically not very dangerous and resolves itself with little to no complications. In young puppies, older dogs and dogs with a weakened immune system kennel cough can lead to a much more serious secondary infection.

Preventing the disease

The best cure for the disease is prevention.

There is a vaccine for kennel cough that vets recommend owners get for their pets, however, it is not effective 100% of the time. As such there are a few other things dog owners should keep in mind to help curb the spread of the virus in the city.

Limit exposure to other people’s dogs

Avoid boarding pets

Limit outings to dog parks

Cut back on doggie daycare

How we keep our furry friends safe.

There aren’t really any good treatments for kennel cough out there. In a lot of ways, it’s like the common cold in humans where you just have to treat symptoms and ride the virus out. Vets often prescribe anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants to aid in symptom management. In some extreme cases, antibacterials are prescribed but this isn’t a common occurrence. If you have a dog with kennel cough it’s recommended that you keep them in a well-ventilated area away from other dogs for at least two weeks with lots of rest.

Original Post: How to protect your furry friends from kennel cough + local vets to go to