As a premier dog kennels serving Chesterfield and Sheffield, the staff at Dunston Lodge is used to answering questions about the health of their dogs. And as a boarding kennels with a vet on call 24 hours a day, we have access to the best professional opinion, and years of knowledge and experience looking after dogs.
A topic that frequently comes up with dog owners is that of kennel cough. Around this time of the year, as the summer draws to a close, kennel cough is quite common.
Despite the nick name ‘kennel cough’, dogs can pick up the ailment, which is basically just a flu type bug, from anywhere that they come into contact with dogs. For example, they make pick it up at the park, vets or dog shows.
It’s important to remember that kennel cough is not usually a serious condition, even though it can be uncomfortable for your dog. So, although kennel cough itself is nothing to become unduly worried about, it’s usually best to get your pet checked out, just in case the cough is hiding a more serious problem, or in the event of it developing into something more serious.
Prevention of Kennel Cough
Here at Dunston Lodge boarding kennels in Chesterfield, we advise all dogs to have the vaccine for kennel cough before they come to our kennels. The kennel cough vaccine, which is called Bordetella, is administered in the form of a shot or inhalant. Like the human flu jab, it prevents against the main strains, but there is a chance your dog could still get a cold or even another strain of flu from dogs they come into contact with.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough symptoms can range from a bad cough, to a lack of exercise, to hacking up foamy liquid. It’s really important to keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual symptoms and if in worried, consult a vet for treatment.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
Some pet owners prefer prescribed medication from a vet for quick relief, but sometimes people prefer to let the cough run its course. If you are worried about your dog, we recommend seeing a vet, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Your vet may recommend different types of treatment depending on the dog’s size, age, and condition. Kennel cough should usually only lasts for a week or two, but if your dog has been coughing for longer than 3 or 4 weeks we recommend that you take it back to the vets. Antibiotics, cough suppressants or anti inflammatorys may be prescribed.