Kennel cough is a highly contagious and very unpleasant disease causing a nasty and debilitating cough that can lead on to complications.
Symptoms of kennel cough
Some of the symptoms of kennel cough to be on the lookout for include:
- A persistent and very strong, forceful cough
- A “reverse sneeze” sound, which is quite distinctive to a normal cough but does not present itself in all dogs
- A dripping nose
- Sore throat and inflammation of the throat
- Kennel cough is often accompanied by sneezing
- Inflamed and runny eyes may also accompany the condition
- Loss of appetite and reduced energy levels
- General lethargy and loss of interest in walking and the normal goings on of the household
What causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is an infection of the upper respiratory tract of the dog, and can be caused by a variety of different viruses and pathogens which include Canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, distemper and some bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is highly contagious, and got its name because of its prevalence and the way its spreads quickly between dogs housed in boarding kennels and dog shelters.
How is kennel cough transmitted?
Both viral and bacterial kennel cough is airborne, which is part of the reason why it is so highly contagious. The coughing and sneezing of affected dogs causes mucus and fluids containing the virus or bacteria to be diffused into the air, where they can be inhaled by other dogs. As with other types of viral and bacterial infections, the pathogen can sometimes survive outside of the body for long periods of time, meaning that toys, bowls and equipment that have come into contact with an affected dog can all harbour the condition, waiting to be picked up by an unsuspecting passing dog.
Preventing kennel cough
- Vaccinating your dog is the most effective way of preventing the contraction and transmission of kennel cough.
- Avoid compromising your dog’s immune system by ensuring that they stay fit and healthy, and avoid stress and exposure to extremes of temperature.
- Make sure that your dog spends his time in a well ventilated environment
The kennel cough vaccine
You can minimise the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough or becoming a carrier for the condition by having them vaccinated against the illness.
The kennel cough vaccine is administered separately to the combined injectable vaccine given for other common conditions.
The kennel cough vaccine is a nasal spray that produces a localised immunity within the cells of the nose and upper respiratory system of your dog, to help to prevent the virus or bacteria from entering the lungs.
The vaccine can be given from 8 weeks of age, and needs repeating every year.
It is recommended that the vaccine is given at least 5 days before your dog goes into kennels or doggy day care; this ensures the vaccine has time to work.
The vaccine does not cause kennel cough, and cannot spread disease to other dogs.
Should you wish to ‘add-on’ your dogs kennel cough vaccine to its routine annual booster vaccinations, it will cost only £15.00 saving you £10.00 on our full kennel cough vaccine price.
To book an appointment with one of our vets please call us on 01942 417800
