Veterinary experts are issuing a stark warning to dog owners across the United Kingdom as a wave of kennel cough sweeps through the nation this winter.
What is Kennel Cough and What Are the Symptoms?
The illness, known as kennel cough, is an infectious bronchitis triggered by a mix of bacteria and viruses. The most recognisable sign is a persistent, hacking cough, which gives the condition its name. However, pet owners should also be vigilant for other symptoms.
These can include gagging, retching, a noticeable loss of appetite, a runny nose, sneezing, eye discharge, and in more severe instances, vomiting, fatigue, a warmer-than-normal temperature, and fever.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
While kennel cough is typically not dangerous for most healthy adult dogs and often requires no formal treatment, the charity Blue Cross highlights that it can become far more serious for vulnerable animals.
In puppies, elderly dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions, the infection can escalate into pneumonia. The severity can also depend on the specific germs causing the virus, with some strains being more potent than others.
Treatment and Recovery Guidance
According to veterinary professionals like Daniella Dos Santos, a healthy dog living in a clean, well-ventilated home will usually recover within one to three weeks without needing a vet. Ensuring your pet stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest is crucial during this time.
For more severe cases, a vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories to reduce airway swelling and treat high fevers. Antibiotics may also be administered if the bacterial infection is particularly severe. The IVC notes that while the main illness lasts up to three weeks, some symptoms can linger for as long as six weeks.
Owners are advised to contact a vet if their dog's condition worsens, especially if they develop nasal discharge, refuse to eat, or become unusually quiet and lethargic.
