Does your dog come into regular contact with other dogs in Fife? Maybe out on walks, at the local Fife park, or when they’re staying in kennels? If so, we’d highly recommend a Kennel Cough vaccine or booster.
Kennel Cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a very contagious respiratory disease. It’s transmitted by close contact with an infected dog and can be associated with boarding kennels, therefore it’s especially important to ensure your dog is covered if you’re planning a trip away.
Call your local practice today to arrange an appointment.
Kirkcaldy
Leven
Cos Lane
Cadham
What are the symptoms of Kennel Cough?
The primary sign to look out for is a deep hacking cough, which can sometimes lead to retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting. In some cases, you may only notice your dog starting to cough after excitement or exercise and you may also notice a discharge coming from your dog’s eyes or nose. Some dogs may get a fever, and in very rare cases may progress to pneumonia. Symptoms will start after three to 10 days – and can go on for up to three weeks. Often the cough is worse at bedtime causing sleepless nights all round.
How is Kennel Cough diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often based on the clinical signs and the history given by the owner, also if the dog is housed together with lots of other dogs that are all presenting similar signs, it makes the diagnosis of kennel cough more probable. If a gentle palpitation of the throat causes a retching cough, Kennel Cough is likely.
What treatment is available for Kennel Cough?
There is no specific treatment for viruses involved in Kennel Cough, but antibiotics are sometimes used to treat bacterial infections. Infected dogs in Fife should be rested and isolated from other dogs for around 14 days. In most cases, dogs will recover from Kennel Cough within three weeks. Ensure they are living in a well-ventilated area and avoid the use of a lead and collar. To aid recovery, your dog may be prescribed cough suppressants or anti-inflammatories. Sometimes antibiotics may be required to target Bordetella Bronchiseptica.
What’s the best way to prevent Kennel Cough?
The best way to prevent Kennel Cough in Fife is through vaccination. The vaccine is a quick and painless procedure for your dog in the form of a nasal spray, which we provide at St Clair Vets.
The Kennel Cough vaccination is given once a year. Depending on individual circumstances it may not be given at the same time as their annual booster. Please contact us at St Clair Vets at one of our Fife practices if you’d like more detail.
If you’re going on holiday, it’s important that your dog is vaccinated against Kennel Cough, otherwise kennels may not accept your dog. Prepare in advance as the vaccination should be given at least one week before their stay for the nasal method.
If you are concerned your dog may have caught Kennel Cough and is presenting symptoms, speak to a member of our team for advice. Alternatively, if you would like to arrange a Kennel Cough vaccination for your four-legged friend, you can call your local practice by clicking on the link below:
Kirkcaldy
Leven
Cos Lane
Cadham
Don’t forget, if you’re a Health Care Plan member with us at St Clair Vets in Fife, the Kennel Cough vaccine is included as part of your plan.
