Canine Cough - Kennel Cough

Hi Everyone,

About this time of year its common to hear reports of the Canine Cough circulating through shows, kennels, and doggy daycares. As with the human cold, the dry indoor conditions and cold outdoor conditions set a perfect environment for viruses to develop and spread. This post Is intended both as a notice and a caution. The CanIne Cough is circulating around Lancaster County. We have had a few daycare dogs report it, and one students dog. If you notice your dog coughing or gagging, even if it's on a irregular basis, you should refrain from bringing them to daycare or class. The cough is often described as a gagging, "something is caught in the throat" type of sound, but it can also be a true cough. You may only hear when the dog first wakes up, or after exercise. You may also only hear it a few times in one day and then never again. However all gagging or coughing should be suspect, unless your dog has been previously diagnosed with another issue that may cause a similar reaction

While the Canine Cough is rarely serious, it is a nuisance illness. Your dog should be kept away from other dogs and from public places where dogs may visit, for at least a week and maybe two. Dogs cant cover their coughs and wash their paws, so they rely on us to use these cautions for them. People can transfer the germs on their hands. I was at my Vets office just the other day, and heard a client come through the door with that distinct Canine Cough and a rather strong case of it in my opinion. I was alarmed as I watched the owner allow several other unsuspecting dog owners pet and interacting with his coughing dog! I also observed a Technician bring a dog out to join its owner in the lobby and both dog owners allowed the dogs to sniff nose to nose! The affected dog looked like an older dog who probably picked up the cough from a boarding kennel or it's neighborhood. Remember if your neighbors have dogs, the cough is airborne. Dogs can transmit it through the fence in your back yard. I also believe it's possible to pick it up in the environment even though the virus doesn't survive for long. At Dog Sense we scrub the floor frequently and use the appropriate cleaning agents that are known to kill the virus. However during the late winter, early spring when the cough viruses tend to circulate use caution wherever you are with careful dog to dog interractions and not allowing the dog to sniff around in questionable environments.

Finally I have always believed that exercise, low stress, and a healthy diet were good ways to help prevent illness. I have seen vitamin C help prevent viruses and lessen the effects when they do occur. Probiotics and prebiotics may also help. Garlic isn't suitable for dogs in high doses, but there are products on the market that contain garlic in low doses. (typically brewers yeast with garlic products) Did you know many canine health experts reccomend between 30 minutes to an hour of good cardiovascular type exercise per day for optimum health and condition? Does your dog get that much? A walk around the block does not provide that much for most dogs.