Kennel Cough is caused by a combination of highly infectious viruses and bacteria.
The bacteria are responsible for the paralysis of the small hairs (cilia) that line the airway which normally help to stop dust and foreign particles from entering the lungs. This results in irritation of the windpipe and therefore the cough.
The most obvious is a hacking cough that can sound as if your dog has something stuck in its throat. This can result in the production of white froth or mucus.
Other than the cough, generally healthy dogs may not be too ill; they may have a mild temperature and be a little off their food.
However, in very young/old or dogs which have an existing illness, kennel cough can be more severe and develop into pneumonia. There are also different strains of the infection which can be more severe than others.
Kennel Cough will spread rapidly in the air or by direct contact with a group of dogs in the right conditions. Such as:
Firstly, avoid mixing with other dogs which aren’t your own. Unfortunately, by the time the cough is evident, all of your dogs are likely to have been exposed.
Always consult a vet when you suspect your dog of having kennel cough. In most cases the vet will give the dog something to suppress the cough which reduces further damage to the airway.
Do not take your dog to meet others until it has completely stopped coughing which can be anywhere from five days to a month.
Some of the viruses which cause Kennel Cough are contained in the basic vaccinations required by puppies and the subsequent “boosters”.
However, Bordetella bronchiseptica is not included but can be given as a separate vaccination which is often given nasally. It is this vaccine which is required by many boarding kennels before a dog can stay with them.
Game Handling Guide One of the Code of Good Shooting Practice’s five golden rules is that game is food and must always be treated as such. The Code outlines basic principles to ensure the correct handling of any shot game birds. This additional guide gives further advice of practical steps
Rice breast disease in ducks – how you can help What is sarcocystosis? Sarcocystosis, or ‘rice breast’ disease of ducks, is caused by the parasite Sarcocystis spp and seems to be on the rise in the UK. The parasite has a relatively complex life cycle using birds as an intermediate host and
Poultry Registration Form Guidance It is a legal requirement* for all commercial premises with 50 or more poultry to register. This applies whether the 50 poultry are of a single species or a combination of the species below. Non-compliance could result in a £5000 fine. The definition “commercial” does not
