It’s nothing to be too alarmed about, but you should probably skip down to your local dog clinic in Toronto for a quick check-up anyway. Kennel cough is very contagious and should be addressed quickly.
What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a condition in dogs that resembles a cold or flu in humans. One type of kennel cough is caused by the Bordetella bacteria. It resembles the common cold in humans and is characterized by the following symptoms: a dry, hacking cough, appetite loss, nasal discharge and decreased energy. It’s contagious, but relatively benign, and may run its course in a few days. To be on the safe side, however, it’s always best to visit your vet clinic in Toronto for a diagnosis. The other type of kennel cough is canine influenza (CIV), and its symptoms resemble the flu in humans: high fever, loss of appetite, runny nose and a wet cough. Not only is it highly contagious, but it could also lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in puppies and older dogs, if left untreated. Because CIV can potentially lead to more serious health conditions, you should visit a dog clinic in Toronto for a proper diagnosis. What are the Best Ways to Avoid Kennel Cough? • Vaccination. Vets recommend dogs receive a kennel cough vaccine once or twice a year. It’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog getting infected with Bordetella, but because CIV is a virus, the vaccine will have no effect. Consult your local vet clinic in Toronto for more information about the recommended vaccinations. • Strong immune system. The best way to stay ahead of kennel cough is to make sure your dog is healthy. If it gets plenty of exercise, eats well and consumes the right supplements, its immune system will remain strong—which is the best way to prevent kennel cough. • Avoid contact with other dogs. This is a tough one. Most dogs are gregarious by nature and keeping them isolated—and happy—is nearly impossible. Try to avoid places like boarding kennels, dog shows, groomers and busy doggy parks as much as possible. At the very least, bring your dog’s own water so it won’t have to share a bowl with others that may be infected. • Hygiene. If you come in contact with a dog that has kennel cough symptoms, make sure to clean and disinfect your clothing, skin and hands right away to avoid infecting your own precious pup. Be Sure to Visit Our Animal Clinic if You Suspect Kennel Cough in Toronto Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital has been taking care of your pets’ needs in Toronto for over 20 years. Do you have questions regarding kennel cough? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!