Catch kennel cough before it spreads
According to the Boksburg SPCA, kennel cough is a highly contagious, infectious disease that can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and is spread from one animal to another by coughing and sneezing.
It can can spread rapidly among dogs in close confinement, such as dogs held in kennels (hence the name kennel cough) but it can also be spread when dogs come into contact with contaminated surfaces such as kennel flooring.
A typical symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough, retching (can often vomit up phlegm), sneezing and snorting.
If your dog has any of the above symptoms it will need to be taken to a veterinarian who may press lightly on the dog’s trachea (wind pipe) which can cause the dog to start coughing. This is a typical finding in dogs that have kennel cough.
Kennel cough can last between seven to 14 days and is treated with a course of antibiotics.
As it is contagious and can pass from one dog to another, it is important to keep an infected dog separate from other dogs to try and prevent the spread of this disease.
It may still be necessary, however, to take any other dogs within the household to see the vet and start medical treatment.
There is a vaccine against kennel cough and if you intend to board your dog at a kennel facility (including the SPCA) it is advisable to get your dogs vaccinated before they go in for boarding.
For more information, contact Boksburg SPCA on 011 916 5906/7.
