Kennel Cough in Dogs – Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention .
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large numbers of dogs congregate, like dog boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, dog parks, dog training groups, and dog shows. Dogs can spread kennel cough to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact (e.g., touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water or food bowls). Kennel cough is highly treatable in most healthy adult dogs, but it can be more severe in puppies younger than six months old. or in immunocompromised dogs.
What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
If your dog has kennel cough, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
* a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound (this is the most obvious symptom)
* runny nose
* sneezing
* lethargy
* loss of appetite
* low fever
If you notice your pet coughing, or if you plan to introduce your dog to a group of new dogs, speak with your veterinarian to see if the kennel cough vaccination makes sense for your dog.
