Canine Cough – is your dog at risk?
Canine cough (also known as “kennel cough”) is an infectious disease of dogs
that causes a dry hacking cough which can last for a couple of weeks. Like colds
and flu in humans – it is spread by close contact with an infected dog and is
most commonly contracted in boarding kennels, dog shows, obedience schools and
parks – wherever there are a lot of dogs in close contact. Canine cough can be
quite distressing for dogs and their owners, and it does have the potential to
develop into a more serious and possibly life-threatening infection.
Canine cough vaccinations are available and are recommended for any dog which
potentially comes into contact with lots of other dogs. The canine cough
vaccination acts similar to the flu vaccination in people – if a vaccinated dog
comes into contact with an infected dog it will either get no disease at all or
a much milder version which only lasts a couple of days.
Ballarat experiences several outbreaks of canine cough each year and many of the
boarding kennels are now requiring a “C5” vaccination which includes canine
cough prior to admission.
If you are interested in upgrading your dog’s current vaccination to a “C5” –
please advise the Vet when you bring your dog in for their vaccination. For more
information on the vaccination or if you have any further questions regarding
canine cough – please contact the Clinic on 53311918.