Canine cough is an upper respiratory infection, similar to the human cold. It is typically harmless but very contagious. (Read more about canine cough here.)
Some helpful tips:
Watch your dog for “coughing.” A dog cough doesn't sound like a human cough but a deep hack, as if something is stuck in their throats.
If you dog is showing signs of canine cough please take your dog to the veterinarian, let them know your dog might have canine cough. This can save you costly diagnostics and help your vet treat your dog more effectively. (Note there is no "cure" for canine cough - it has to run its course, like a human cold. Your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant and/or antibiotics to stave off a secondary infection.)
Let us know if your dog is diagnosed with canine cough and please keep your dog at home. Infected dogs may return to WOOF after they are cough-free for seven days or have clearance from their veterinarian.
Please keep in mind:
Don't blame the vaccine - it is "hit or miss" that the Bordetella vaccine will cover the current strain of the virus (much like the human flu vaccine)
Don't blame other owners - infected dogs may show no symptoms at all, passing the virus to other dogs before they begin coughing themselves
Don't blame the daycare - no level of screening, requirements or sanitation can prevent an airborne illness from doing what airborne illnesses do best (infecting as many hosts as possible!)
As always, we're here for your questions - contact us here.
