Kennel cough can rear its head any time of the year and unfortunately we have seen high volume of cases lately in the area.
I do not advocate remedies and am NOT medically trained but the following information is there to help you make your own judgements. If you have any concerns I recommend that you speak to your vet.
I will continue to adopt scrupulous hygiene procedures with all my dogs to avoid risk of transmission and insist, as always, that you let me know if your dog has been ill in any way.
Kennel Cough
- Kennel Cough can rear its head at any time of the year.
- Outbreaks can occur when a dog is in proximity to anther dog.
- Kennel cough is highly contagious, although not serious in most cases, and is a respiratory disease amongst dogs.
- Dogs of any age can contract it but puppies, older dogs and pregnant bitches may be more vulnerable due to a weakened immune system (also if dogs haven’t built up heir immune system due to being at home during COVID).
- It is spread via direct contact or through inhaling airborne droplets.
- Dogs that have had kennel cough vaccination can still catch kennel cough due to there being many different strains.
- Many dogs are carriers but do not always show the symptom’s.
- Incubation period can be 2-14 days
- If your dog has a cough then they will not be able to be walked/ come to day care until 2 weeks after the cough has subsided.
Kennel Cough symptoms
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing (dry hacking cough or possibly a ‘honking’ sound)
- Diminished appetite
- Lethargy and reluctance to exercise
- Retching
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the infection and the severity of the symptoms, there are two main types of treatments. In the most common and uncomplicated type of disease, there is no need for antibiotics and some natural remedies can be used.
If your dog is alert, but only has minor symptoms along with the recurrent cough, then it is often left alone to go through the course of the disease, just like the common cold in humans. Most of the time an anti-inflammatory agent will be given to your dog in order to reduce the severity and frequency of coughing episodes and to make your dog more comfortable. Antibiotics will be used if your dog is not eating, is running a fever, and is showing signs of severe respiratory troubles, as this may indicate pneumonia.
If your dog is recovering from the infection, allow it to breath without anything that might irritate or constrict its throat – such as collars or scarves/ bandannas. For walks and outings you can substitute for a harness but ensure that you remember not to walk anywhere where other dogs walk/ play so that they will not become infected.
I’m not a vet but ….Some kennel cough remedies:
- Nosodes
- Echinacea
- Vitamins C and E
- Manuka honey
- Childrens’ non drowsy Benylin
Once again, I am only passing on information to make you aware. I am NOT a medical expert!
If you have any concerns please seek medical advise from your vet.