Kennel Cough

Posted by Charla Dawson Jul 27, 2006

Kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that dogs can contract when around other previously infected dogs. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through kennels, grooming facilities, and neighborhoods where there is a high number of dogs owned.

The cough is easily treated with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Kennel cough can take 2 - 3 weeks to resolve, during that time try to keep your dog from coughing by not pulling on the collar and letting him get excited. If the dog is allowed to cough the trachea continues to be irritated and not given the chance to heal.

There are vaccines available. Some people who do not have there dog around other dogs choose not to vaccinate against kennel cough - that is when I remind them of neighborhood breakouts. If your dog is not vaccinated against kennel cough talk to your veterinarian about the possible need for this vaccination at your dogs next annual exam.

Related Article -

Dog and Puppy Vaccinations