Contrary to its name kennel cough is not just associated with dogs who are in a kennel.
It is actually a name given to a highly contagious respiratory disease, infectious canine tracheobronchitis.
1. What symptoms should you keep an eye out for?
- Persistent, forceful cough
- Nasal discharge
- Retching
- And in severe cases your pet might develop pneumonia, fever, lethargy and death.
2. What causes it?
Kennel cough is caused by both a bacteria and a virus, and can affect the lungs and windpipe. The cough is caught in the same way a human catches a cold – when they inhale the bacteria or virus.
You pet is more likely to pick it up when they are exposed to crowed or poorly ventilated conditions, experience travel-induced stress or when they are in cold temperatures.
3. How can you treat it?
Unfortunately, kennel cough is very contagious and you should keep them away from other pets to avoid them catching it.
Do take your pet to the vet as soon as you suspect something is up so that they can be treated quickly. Your vet may prescribe an antibiotic, and they will hopefully recover within three weeks.
