If you’ve ever owned a dog, you’ve probably heard of kennel cough when you took your pup in for their routine vaccines. If you’ve ever boarded a dog at a kennel or vet’s office, you’ve almost undoubtedly heard of it, as most boarding facilities require that your dog receive the kennel cough vaccine before it can be dropped off.
But what exactly is kennel cough? In this post, we’ll do a quick overview of this illness, including a definition, causes, symptoms, and where to get treatment in Wesley Chapel.
Kennel Cough Definition
Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Kennel cough is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, and even via airborne transmission. Because it is so easily transmitted from dog to dog, kennel cough thrives in places where dogs are in close quarters, like doggy daycares and boarding facilities.
Causes of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is actually a collection of bacteria and viruses, including canine infectious tracheobronchitis, bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. A dog may be infected with one or more of these bacteria and/or viruses at one time, compounding the problems.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
It should come as no surprise that the primary symptom of kennel cough is…well…cough. A loud, frequent cough that is similar to honking and worsens with activity is the most commonly reported symptom. Other possible symptoms include low-grade fever, sneezing, frothing at the mouth during coughing fits, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and appetite loss.
Treatment for Kennel Cough in Wesley Chapel
Are you worried that your pooch has kennel cough? If it’s an evening or weekend, the veterinary team at Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is ready to help. Give us a call at 813-279-6500, then come to our location at 27027 SR 56, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 to get help with your pet’s urgent medical needs that just can’t wait until Monday morning, including kennel cough.