12/03/2020
*BEWARE of Kennel Cough, there seems to be higher then normal cases in Calgary at this time *
Kennel Cough is an infectious bronchitis of dogs characterized by a harsh, hacking cough that most people describe as sounding like "something stuck in my dog's throat." This bronchitis may not last long and be mild enough to not need treatment or it may progress to a more serious situation depending on your pet's immunological strength.
An uncomplicated kennel cough runs a course of a week or two and entails frequent fits of coughing in a patient who otherwise feels active and normal. Uncomplicated cases do not involve fever, difficulty breathing or listlessness, just lots of coughing.
Classically, dogs get infected when they are kept in a crowded situation with poor air circulation (i.e. a boarding kennel, obedience class, dog park, animal shelter, grooming parlour), though even a quick meet up with dogs while on a neighborhood walk can also share it.
The incubation period is 2-14 days. Dogs are typically sick for 1-2 weeks. Infected dogs shed Bordetella organisms for 1-3 months following infection. Dogs that have recovered from Bordetella are typically immune to reinfection for 6 to 12 months.
If you have any questions about a coughing dog, do not hesitate to bring them to your veterinarian.
* 403-532-0085 * Southpointe Pet Hospital *