5 Nov 2007
Kennel cough is a fairly common ailment in dogs. Kennel cough is caused by an airborne virus, which is highly contagious. Any time your dog is in the vicinity of an infected dog, the potential exists for infection. Your dog will not display symptoms of illness for about 8-10 days following exposure to the virus. Having a strong immune system is the best way to avoid coming down with symptoms if/when your dog is exposed to the virus. This is why not every dog in the kennel (or house) will get it if there is an outbreak.
Although there is a vaccine for Kennel Cough, it is often not effective in preventing infection. Your dog can still catch Kennel Cough even if s/he has had a shot to prevent it.
The usual symptoms of Kennel Cough include a dry, "non-productive" cough. The dog sounds as if there is something stuck or caught in the throat and the coughing is an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the object. Sometimes the coughing/gagging seems very violent. The episodes of coughing may go on for minutes at a time and then be repeated at intervals. Of course you will want to check your dog and make certain that there isn’t anything actually stuck in the throat! One way you can "test" for Kennel Cough is to press the throat gently, right in the collar area. If the dog has Kennel Cough, this will probably trigger some coughing.
If your dog does develop Kennel Cough symptoms, don’t panic! There are many ways to treat and ease the symptoms. The goal is to support the body (immune system) while it is healing itself. There are many natural treatments you may use to treat your dog’s Kennel Cough symptoms. Make an appointment to see Sharon and she can advise you on these treatments. Most importantly keep your dog healthy with a good complete balanced diet, plenty of exercise and a clean, warm safe place for him/her to sleep.
Sharon Osmond
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