Dogs – Kennel Cough

It is difficult enough to leave your beloved dog while you go on an extended trip, or on vacation. What makes it even more difficult is coming back to find that your dog is sick. Frequently, while staying in a dog kennel, dogs become sick with something known as kennel cough.

There are two types of kennel cough. The disease can manifest as either a viral or a bacterial infection. It is highly contagious from dog to dog, so that is why dogs frequently contract kennel cough after a stay in an enclosed area in which they are in close contact with other animals…the kennel. Kennel cough is contagious via the air, so even being near another sick animal can cause the dog to become infected.

What is worse, is that the disease is still contagious long after the symptoms are gone.

Typically about 4 to 6 days after the animal has been exposed to the disease they will develop the symptoms. Unfortunately kennel cough, if untreated, can lead to further complications, such as pneumonia.

If your dog has a barking cough, or just seems to constantly be choking or gagging, especially after moderate exercise, this is an indication of kennel cough. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately, as well as the kennel at which your animal was staying. The kennel will need to take measures to quarantine the area to prevent further spread to other pets. The vet can provide you with the medicine you need. Be sure to call the vet first before you bring the animal in, so that you do not risk exposing other pets to this highly contagious disease. Your vet may diagnose your dog over the phone, and simply provide a prescription without ever needing to see the doc.

Kennel cough is not simply a dog losing its voice due to too much barking. Barking, to a dog, is the same as talking to us. A dog can bark all day long and not lose its voice. That is why dog barking control devices are so popular. If the dog seems hoarse, do not assume it just had a great time barking with the other dogs at the kennel. Call the vet right away.

George is a regular contributor to several syndicated blogs about pets.

Tags: barking cough, dog barking control, dog kennel, kennel cough, kennel dogs, pets, vet, veterinarian