Kennel cough is a respiratory illness that’s easily passed from dog to dog. While your veterinarian can offer effective treatment, the best course of action is to prevent your pet from becoming infected in the first place. Younger dogs can experience particularly serious problems, so understanding the condition is important.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Most notably, dogs will frequently cough, which makes a distinct “honking” noise. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, sneezing, runny nose, and fatigue. Your pet may also experience a low-grade fever. 

If your dog is showing the above symptoms and has recently been exposed to other canines, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. This will also help you determine whether symptoms are being caused by another, more serious illness. For instance, distemper, which can be deadly to dogs, shares some of the same symptoms as kennel cough. 

How It Can Be Prevented & Treated

If your dog often spends time around other canines, ask your veterinarian about getting a kennel cough vaccine. However, keep in mind the vaccine only addresses one strain of the illness, so it’s possible that your pet might still fall ill. 

If your pet does come down with kennel cough, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan based on the severity of symptoms. Medication can ease coughing, while antibiotics stop your pet from acquiring a secondary infection. While your dog is recovering, your vet may suggest using a harness for walks as opposed to a traditional leash. This is because a leash might make throat irritation worse, exacerbating symptoms.

If you’re concerned that your dog has been exposed to kennel cough, schedule an appointment at Carolina Veterinary Hospital, P.A. today. These skilled veterinarians offer the benefit of over four decades of experience to pet owners in Sanford, NC. As a full-service animal hospital, they offer vaccines, surgical procedures, lab testing, allergy testing, help with behavioral problems, and dental care. They also offer boarding services and require all pets they board to be current on vaccines and free of parasites. Call (919) 258-3349 to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat. Visit them online for more information on services, including emergency care.