Kennel cough is a highly infectious respiratory disease that is common in dogs during the colder months – here’s what you need to know and when to take your pet to the vet
As temperatures start to plummet, numerous pet owners might notice a rise in their dogs falling ill with various ailments and bugs. While many of these conditions may present mild symptoms, they can occasionally trigger more serious health issues and even require a veterinary visit.
One particularly prevalent virus throughout the chillier months is ‘kennel cough’, which stems from multiple different bacteria and viruses. Kennel cough generally describes infectious bronchitis – a respiratory condition in dogs that bears similarities to chest infections in people.
The condition can be extremely contagious and may spread rapidly via airborne pathogens or through bacteria on communal food dishes and playthings. Usually, the virus poses no threat to life, although in certain instances it might result in serious complications.
Advice from animal welfare charity Blue Cross explains: “While a nuisance, kennel cough is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all. But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia. Depending on the germs which have caused the virus, some strains of the infection can also be more severe than others.”
Symptoms of kennel cough
Since kennel cough affects the respiratory system, one of the initial indicators of infection is typically a continuous cough from your pet.
Nevertheless, it can also trigger several other symptoms, including:
GaggingRetchingRunny noseDischarge from the eyesVomitingSneezingFatigue or less energyLack of appetiteHigher than normal temperature
Typically, these symptoms should clear up on their own within a few weeks as long as your dog stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest and care. However, in some cases, it may be safer to take your dog to the vet to get a professional opinion.
When to see a vet
Kennel cough usually doesn’t cause serious complications in most dogs, however, it could be more threatening for puppies, older dogs, and those with existing health conditions or illnesses.
If you are concerned that a respiratory illness could cause serious illness in your dog for any of these reasons, you should see the vet as soon as possible in case they need to provide treatment.
Depending on what’s causing the kennel cough, the vet may decide to provide antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or cough suppressants. They may also decide that no drug treatment is necessary at that time and will instead provide advice on how to look after your dog while they’re recovering.
Further details on kennel cough, as well as how to spot it in your pet, can be found on the Blue Cross website here.
