Kennel Cough Outbreak Grows

Despite area veterinarians' efforts, Greeley is experiencing an outbreak of kennel cough. While kennel cough is similar to a simple chest cold in humans and will clear on its own, some cases require special attention. You should bring your pet in if he/she is lethargic, not eating, has a fever of 102 or more, or is coughing so hard that he/she is vomiting. Kennel Cough is extremely contagious, so it is important to discuss your suspicions with your veterinarian before coming in for treatment. Proper precautions need to be in place to prevent further spread of the contagion.

Kennel cough can be caused by a number of viral or bacterial infections and is spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. Symptoms can include a harsh, dry hacking/coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise.

Though we don't know for certain the cause of this outbreak, we do know it is unlikely to be caused by bordetella - the whooping cough of kennel cough. Almost all the dogs that have been infected have been well vaccinated for the Bordetella bacteria and the vaccine is very protective. We also do not believe that this is due to the H3N8 canine influenza virus since, like the true human flu, dogs with flu tend to run higher fevers and be significantly more sick. Just to be safe, though, the doctors at WRAH are testing some exposed dogs to determine if this outbreak could be a mild form of H3N8 canine flu. Area veterinarians are considering whether to begin vaccination for the canine flu to provide "community immunity" in case of an influenza outbreak in our canine companions. We will let you know here at News & Notes from West Ridge Animal Hospital as soon as our doctors reach a decision on this vaccine.

Here are a couple of examples of kennel cough:

Whether you bring your dog in for treatment or let kennel cough run its course at home, it is very important to remember that Kennel cough is EXTREMELY contagious - if your companion is coughing, please do NOT take him/her out in public.

For further information regarding kennel cough, please see this great article found at PetEducation.com: Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in Dogs