One of the most common illnesses your dog can contract is called kennel cough. While it's easy to treat with help from a veterinarian, it's extremely contagious and can be dangerous for dogs that are old, young, or have other health conditions. Watch out for this illness and visit your veterinarian if your dog has any symptoms.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It's a respiratory infection, which makes it somewhat similar to a cold in humans, but with a very strong cough. As the name suggests, dogs are most likely to get it in kennels and other places where they're around other dogs because it passes easily from one animal to another.

What Are the Symptoms & Treatment?

The most distinctive symptom of kennel cough is a loud cough with what many owners describe as a honking sound. This can come with sneezing, a runny nose, and fever. Lethargy and loss of appetite are also possible. Because these cold-like symptoms are similar to other canine diseases which can be more severe, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian any time you notice this type of illness. Your veterinarian will likely recommend rest to restore pet wellness and may also offer antibiotics and a canine cough suppressant.

How Do You Prevent Kennel Cough?

Dogs get kennel cough through exposure to other infected dogs. It can be spread by direct touch but more often comes from contaminated surfaces and airborne germs. There are several bacteria and viruses that can cause kennel cough; there is a vaccine which is strongly recommended and will prevent the most common cause of the disease, but your dog might still develop this infection from another source. You should still get the vaccination as part of your dog's routine animal care, as it prevents most cases.

If you need to see a veterinarian about a kennel cough vaccine, choose TLC Pet Care Centers in Cincinnati, OH. Serving Hamilton County, they have over 40 years of experience and are some of the best vets in the Tri-State area. They offer climate-controlled boarding 365 days a year, as well as state-of-the-art treatment. Call their east location at (513) 683-2300 or the west location at (513) 825-4011 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.