There has been a recent spike in the number of kennel cough cases, and veterinarians are warning dog owners to be aware of the disease.
Animal experts are warning Australian dog owners to be on the lookout for a highly transmissible disease that’s spreading among dogs.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis, or more commonly referred to as Kennel Cough, is a highly contagious disease that affects a canine’s respiratory system. Kennel cough causes the infected canine to cough and dry retch.
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that attacks the dog’s respiratory system.
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An increase in the number of cases in recent months has put veterinarians and dog owners on high alert.
Emergency veterinarian Tegan Hunt says that she went from recording no cases of the disease to four in one weekend.
Hunt, based in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, shared a post on her Instagram explaining how a husky caught the disease in a kennel while its parents were away on holiday.
“The husky stayed at a boarding kennel while her parents were away on vacation. Once she got back home, she became lethargic and wouldn’t stop coughing and spitting up phlegm,” Hunt says.
In the post, the husky dry coughs for a while before coughing up phlegm.
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Hunt is using her as an example for dogs to be aware of Kennel Cough symptoms and to seek medical attention if they think their dog has the disease.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
The symptoms of kennel cough can be mild, and lasts between 10 and 14 days. However, if left untreated, the symptoms can worsen and in rare circumstances become life-threatening.
Symptoms include:
- Strong cough, accompanied by a “honking” sound
- Gagging or Vomiting
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Low Fever
How The Disease Is Transmitted
Dogs normally contract the disease where there are a large number of dogs present, such as dog parks, daycare facilities, and boarding kennels.
The disease can be spread by direct contact (touching noses), contaminated surfaces (water or food bowls), and through airborne droplets.
Hunt advises owners should isolate their dogs if infected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Owners should isolate their dogs if infected to prevent the spread of kennel cough.
“This disease spreads easily. As such, affected pets should be isolated until the illness is treated to prevent infecting other animals,” Hunt says.
While humans developing symptoms from kennel cough is quite rare, they can still pass on the disease to other dogs.
Best Prevention For Kennel Cough
Hunt says kennel cough is easily preventable through vaccinations and avoiding recent exposure sites.
“While dogs can still get the disease after being vaccinated, the severity of the disease is reduced,” Hunt says.
If you are concerned about your pet, Hunt suggests taking them to their local vet.
“However, when you arrive at the clinic, call your vet from the carpark for their instructions. This is to avoid transmitting the disease into their clinic,” Hunt says.
