What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough results from inflammation of a dog’s throat, lungs and airways and is caused by various viruses and bacteria.
It causes a persistent, hacking cough that sounds like they’re choking.
Other kennel cough symptoms include retching and gagging, runny nose, eye discharge, sneezing and in more severe cases, loss of appetite, listlessness, fever, pussy discharge from the nose and a chesty cough that produces phlegm.
It normally lasts for between one and three weeks but symptoms can sometimes linger for up to six weeks.
It is highly contagious but not normally life-threatening so, in most cases, emergency treatment is not required.
But it can, occasionally, progress to something more serious so be sure to keep a close eye on your dog.
Owners of elderly dogs, puppies and dogs with underlying health issues should monitor the condition closely as it can develop into pneumonia.
Call your daytime vet for advice if you’re worried. You should always contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency service, if your dog or puppy starts showing any of the more severe signs, such as fever, nasal discharge, lack of appetite or lethargy.
