If you go to dog shows, dog parks, daycare or any place where your dog is exposed to other dogs chances are your dog has, or some day may, contract kennel cough.

If you suspect your dog has KC please advise the vet prior to going to an appointment so they can keep your dog away from other patients as it is highly contagious.

Symptoms:

“The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as having a ‘honking sound.’ A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active. Many times, there is a recent history of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs. In more severe cases, the symptoms may progress and include lethargy, fever, inappetence, pneumonia, and in very severe cases, even death. The majority of severe cases occur in immunocompromised animals, or young unvaccinated puppies.”

More info here:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=452

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_kennel_cough.html

There are many strains of KC so the Bordetella vaccine may not cover them all.  This means that your dog can still get KC even if it has been vaccinated.

Patty

www.snowcolabradors.com