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How to spot if your dog has

kennel cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious virus otherwise known as infectious tracheobronchitis

and can make some dogs very sick. Here are our tips for spotting it early.

Blonde cockapoo curled up sleeping

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough or canine influenza is like our human cold or flu. 

It is a viral infection which spreads quickly between dogs.

How is it spread?

It is an airborne virus that is spread when dogs cough, sneeze or bark and tiny droplets of the virus are transmitted.

It has a 10 day incubation period which means dogs can have it and be spreading it before they show symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

  • Runny nose
  • Gunky, runny eyes
  • Dry cough that sounds like they have a hair stuck in the back of its throat
  • A barking cough
  • Sneezing
  • Lethargic
  • Off their food
  • Temperature

Treatment

Most dogs recover from kennel cough, like us after about a week. 

They need calm and rest time, so let them take it EASY!

Manuka honey is a lovely soothing holistic way to help soothe your dog's cough and sore throat.

Keep them at home so stop the virus spreading further.

And if, at any time you feel concerned, contact your VET straight away.

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