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Kennel cough a common problem during holidays

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Lately, it seems like everyone is getting sick. But it's not just people who can suffer from sniffles and a cough. An illness known as kennel cough is very common among dogs and often resembles a canine version of a cold. This time of year, when many people travel and may have to board their pets, it's important to understand what kennel cough is, how it's transmitted, and how you can protect your pet.

The symptoms

Kennel cough is exactly what it sounds like - a dry, honking, persistent cough. A very contagious respiratory disease, it can also cause a watery discharge from the nose and dry heaving from all the coughing. In more extreme cases, dogs can be lethargic, have a loss of appetite, and may also have a fever.

Transmission

Just like the common cold, kennel cough is transferable through the air and from one pet to another from things such as sharing a water bowl. Kennel cough is often found when animals live in close quarters, such as at a boarding kennel or animal shelter.

Treatment

In most cases, your vet will recommend allowing the kennel cough to run its course on its own without any treatment. If your pet displays other symptoms beyond coughing, your vet may choose to administer antibiotics. Symptoms generally last for several weeks. While treating your dog, it's also important to keep him isolated from your other pets to avoid transmitting the illness further.

Prevention

If you frequently take your dog around other dogs, like at daycare, the groomer, or a boarding facility, consider talking to your veterinarian about the Bordetella vaccine. Bordetella is not a required vaccine for your pet and is not considered necessary unless your dog comes into frequent contact with other dogs. Be aware that, if you plan to board your pet during the holidays, some facilities will not accept your pet without proof of vaccination.

Kennel cough, while very common and highly contagious, is also easily preventable. Plan ahead this holiday season and talk to your vet about keeping your pet healthy!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, two cats, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322

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