Greencross Vets Is my dog at risk of canine cough?
Canine cough, also known as kennel cough, is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system. This condition is the result of several highly infectious diseases which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate and socialise such as dog shows, boarding kennels, and obedience classes.
Canine cough may persist for several weeks and has the potential to progress into a more serious and life-threatening infection if pneumonia and chronic bronchitis develop.
The symptoms of canine cough can be distressing for dogs and for you as a pet parent.
Symptoms of canine cough
- dry, hacking cough
- gagging or vomiting after excitement or ingestion of food
- eye and nasal discharge
- sneezing and snorting
- fever and lethargy
The repetitive dry cough normally develops three to ten days after exposure.
Like most of the diseases we vaccinate for, canine cough is not as common as it used to be. A vaccine is now available which allows the vet to administer the vaccine into a dog’s nose using an applicator instead of a needle. Intranasal vaccines like this can help prevent infections occurring.
Once a puppy has their initial course of vaccinations, kennel cough can be boosted annually by either the intranasal vaccine or an injectable dose. This is normally combined with distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus vaccinations.
Some dogs are more prone to canine cough than others. If we encounter a history of this condition, we will advise a strategic booster for the condition two weeks before entering kennels.
Vaccinating your dog for canine cough is a simple and effective way of protecting them from serious and sometimes life-threatening infections.
Contact your local Greencross Vet to ensure that your canine companion is protected from canine cough.
