Knowing the Risks of Kennel Cough in Dogs as a Parent
There are all sorts of health conditions that can affect dogs, some of which are more common than others. One problem that is very common among dogs is kennel cough, and this can affect different dogs to varying levels. If you are a parent with kids who have a pet dog, you probably know that the children are unlikely to know whether there is an issue with their pooch. However, as a parent and a responsible pet owner, it is important for you to stay alert and look for signs of problems.
Some dogs get over this illness without medical intervention while others such as very young or senior dogs can be at heightened risk and can suffer more as a result. When it comes to your dog and kennel cough, it is important to be aware of the risks and to seek advice from a veterinary expert. This can mean speedy treatment for your pet and reducing the risk of heartache for you and your children.
Kennel cough is not only a common illness in dogs, but it is also a highly contagious one, and this makes it even more of a risky condition because of the ease with which it can spread. Of course, it is important to remember that there are other conditions that also have similar symptoms to kennel cough, so seeking advice and confirmation of the illness from a vet is always advisable. In this article, we will look at some of the key risks to keep in mind when it comes to kennel cough.
What to Keep in Mind
There are a few key factors that you need to keep in mind when it comes to kennel cough in dogs and familiarizing yourself with these can help you to better protect your pet. Some of these are:
It Is Highly Contagious
One thing that you need to keep in mind when it comes to kennel cough is that it is extremely contagious and can pass between dogs with ease. This is why you need to be vigilant, and if you believe your dog has kennel cough, you need to keep it isolated to protect other dogs. Similarly, if you believe that another dog that your own pet spends time with might have kennel cough, you need to keep your pet away from the other dog until it has recovered.
Vulnerable Dogs Are More at Risk
You also need to keep in mind that there is more risk to vulnerable dogs when it comes to kennel cough than the average healthy dog. Those in the higher-risk group include very young dogs and pups, senior dogs, and those with compromised immune systems. If your pet falls into these categories and you feel that it might have kennel cough, you should seek veterinary advice so that appropriate treatment can be arranged.
Symptoms Can Be Non-Specific
One of the other things to keep in mind is that some of the symptoms of kennel cough can closely resemble the symptoms of other health issues, and vice versa. For instance, some people think their pet has kennel cough when in fact it turns out to be a seasonal allergy. So, if you want to be on the safe side, it is always best to get advice and assistance from a vet.
These are some of the key things to keep in mind when it comes to kennel cough.
