As the spring season quickly approaches we want to make sure your pets are prepared and protected! When the weather gets warmer we often begin to see many pets go to doggie day-cares, dog parks, and boarding as their families start to travel again.
With canine socialization becoming more popular, we have seen an influx of kennel cough cases. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness found in canines. It is an air born illness. Dr. Alexander suggests that if you are taking your pets to any type of dog socialization or live in a neighborhood or apartment housing near other canines that you should booster your dog’s Bordetella vaccination regularly. The Bordetella vaccination is helpful in slowing the spread of kennel cough. Regularly the vaccination is given yearly, but if your pet frequents any of these socialization areas then we suggest getting the vaccination every 6 months. Many boarding and day care facilities are beginning to require the 6 month booster as well, so make sure to check your facilities requirements.
It is important to know the signs of Kennel Cough to keep your pet in the best health and get treated right away, as to not let the cough worsen. Sadly, Kennel Cough is not something you can use an at home remedy for and we suggest you seek veterinary care as soon as symptoms begin. Since Kennel Cough is highly contagious, if your dog starts to show symptoms, they need to stay isolated from all the social areas until they have been treated and their cough has subsided.
If you think your dog could be at risk for Kennel Cough, please see the list of symptoms below:
- a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound
- discharge from eyes
- runny nose
- sneezing
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- fever