How to Prevent Kennel Cough
Many dog owners wonder if vaccinating their canine for kennel cough is necessary. Kennel cough (also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is highly contagious and infects numerous dogs each year. Symptoms typically include a high pitch cough and your dog may sound like he has something caught in his throat.
Instructions
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Evaluate your dog's risk for kennel cough. If you board your dog you should consider vaccination. Also, visiting dog parks and taking your dog hiking or to other places dog frequent make him high-risk.
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Limit exposure to large groups of dogs. Although you can’t put your dog in a bubble, limiting exposure to huge groups of dogs is important. Dogs that are in contact with many dogs are more susceptible to kennel cough. This is especially true for dogs that are around puppies and strays.
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Get your dog vaccinated. If your dog is considered to be high-risk, you should vaccinate him as soon as possible. This will ensure his protection against contacting kennel cough.
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Evaluate boarding facilities carefully. If you need to board your dog, take close note of the conditions. Ask potential facilities what their practices are regarding hygiene. Do they disinfect cages and dishes after each use? Ask to speak with previous clients for recommendations. And make sure all boarded animals are required to be vacated for kennel cough.
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Contact the vet if you suspect your dog has symptoms. If your dog has any strange symptoms or behavior (especially after being boarded), contact your vet immediately. The sooner kennel cough is treated, the better.
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Tips & Warnings
It’s important to know the signs of kennel cough. Note any changes of behavior, loss of appetite or breathing difficulty. Contact your vet if you observe any issues.
Vaccines provide good protection, but dog owners should know they aren’t one hundred percent. Therefore, you should always be aware of any unusual behavior in your canine.
