Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that can be caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, mycoplasmas and fungi. These are highly contagious organisms that are easily spread through aerosolised respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneeze droplets which travel through the air to infect other dogs in the vicinity. These infections spread rapidly amongst dogs in close confinement such as kennels, hence the name “kennel cough”. It is also spread through direct contact with infected dogs.
SIGNS OF KENNEL COUGH
• A dry hacking cough (almost as though they are choking)
• Retching
• Sneezing
• Gagging even vomiting after a coughing episode
Some vaccines will protect your dog from the viruses that cause kennel cough while others will protect your dog from the bacteria that causes kennel cough. Should your pet be going to a kenneling facility it is advisable to get your vet to vaccinate against kennel cough.
THE ONLY FORM OF PREVENTION IS VACCINATION
