What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a dry, hacking persistent cough, triggered off by any activity. Your dog will cough at least every few minutes, often followed by a retching as if it has something stuck in its throat.

How does a dog get infected?

It is highly contagious and will quickly spread through any group of dogs.

Typical situations where your dog might get infected by kennel cough :
Being kept in boarding kennels
Attending a dog show
Dog obedience classes
Participating in field trials

Kennel cough is transmitted in the air, your dog could conceivably be exposed to it by something as innocent as a walk in the park.

How is kennel cough treated?

You should always take your dog along to the vets if it displays the symptoms of kennel cough as these could be masking a more serious problem.

Depending on the symptoms the vet may decide to prescribe antibiotics depending on other symptoms that may have become aggravated in your dog.

Avoiding kennel cough

The true symptoms of kennel cough may not become apparent for several days and a dog that has apparently fully recovered from kennel cough may remain contagious for weeks afterwards.

The kennel cough vaccination is unusual in that it is administered into the nose via an applicator.

Prevention is better than a cure

Vaccinate your dog with a kennel cough vaccination.