Kennel Cough – When Your Dog is Under The Weather

If you have heard of the term ‘kennel cough’ you’ve probably wondered whether the condition is somehow connected to animal shelters or kennels.

However, Dr. Zay Satchu, the chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet in New York City explains:

‘’Kennel cough is the common name for a slew of upper respiratory illnesses that dogs can get…”

In other words, it can be compared to the common cold, and it is spread in a similar manner. Your pup can catch it through contact with other dogs. According to Dr. Satchu, you can tell that your pup has been infected if you hear a ‘honking’ loud cough, if he is lethargic, has a runny nose, and fever.

Your pup can pick up kennel cough from all sorts of places, such as, inside an elevator, at a doggy care facility or even from the dog park. If he does get sick, he will need plenty of rest and possibly oral antibiotics, however, the condition usually goes away by itself. On rare occasions, it may develop into something more serious, especially if a young pup is infected, or an older dog with an existing illness. In such cases, the vet should be consulted.

The good news is that vaccines are effective in preventing kennel cough, so keep up to date with your pup’s vaccinations, and if she does get sick, the symptoms will not be as severe.