KENNEL COUGH

Kennel cough is a highly contagious viral disease, especially for dogs, closely confined, under stress or in the cold or drafts. A healthy dog will recover from kennel cough much like a human gets over the common cold. Kennel cough can, however, be fatal to puppies, aged or debilitated dogs. Humans cannot catch kennel cough.

PREVENTION

.  Kennel cough requires direct contact with an infected dog to be spread.

.  See your vet to make sure your dog is vaccinated against kennel cough.

.  Make sure your dog is kept warm, dry and comfortable.

SYMPTOMS

.  Symptoms first appear 5 to 10 days after the dog has been infected.

.  Harsh, dry coughing which may be followed by gagging and wretching.

.  A clear watery discharge from the nose.

.  Kennel cough may cause a secondary infection, which will produce a fever, loss of appetite and depression.

TREATMENT

.  In most healthy dogs, the viral disease runs its course in 10 to 12 days.

.  Secondary infection should be treated with an antibiotic from your vet.

If the cough does not subside in 21 days, contact your veterinarian. A more complete examination can be made by your veterinarian. He or she will give recommendations regarding the health care of your dog.