09/02/2021
Fergus Falls, like many places in Minnesota, is in the throes of a kennel cough outbreak. Here’s what you need to know to protect your dog and help us stop this outbreak in the area.
What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough (KC) is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection in dogs. It is a generic term, like “the common cold” and does not refer to any one specific virus or bacteria, but rather several different ones that can cause signs of coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. KC is highly contagious between dogs, and they don’t need direct contact, just contact with another dog respiratory secretions. Dogs are sniffers (!) and taking a good inhale where another dog has been or coughed or sneezed will expose a dog.
Where can my dog get kennel cough? A dog can get KC virtually anywhere, but the highest risk places are places where many dogs stay for long periods of time or even just travel in and out of a high numbers. Examples are boarding kennels, grooming facilities, doggy daycares, veterinary clinics, dog parks, and even common walking paths.
What should I do to prevent kennel cough? When at all possible keep your dogs away from the above areas until the number of cases drops.
What are the signs of kennel cough? Primarily an unrelenting cough, even to the point of gagging up phlegm. Owners often perceive the sounds as “having something stuck in the throat”.
What should I do if my dog has kennel cough? Most dogs will recover completely with no medical treatment. If your dog is coughing, but still has a fairly normal appetite and is acting normal and energetic when they aren’t coughing, continue to monitor and the signs should resolve within a week. If your dog is acting feverish or lethargic, if they aren’t eating, or if it seems difficult for them to breathe when they aren’t coughing, you should call your veterinarian. Please keep your dog away from public areas for two weeks after the onset of signs to prevent spread to other dogs.
Is kennel cough contagious to people? No.
Is kennel cough Covid-19? No. But like Covid and other respiratory tract infections, it is very contagious, many dogs will have mild or no signs, and a few will become very sick, especially if they have underlying respiratory conditions or are older.
My dog is supposed to go to the kennel or groomer this week- what should I do? If your dog is coughing, reschedule or make other arrangements. If your dog is feeling well, consider that the risk of exposure is high right now.
My dog is vaccinated, why did they still get kennel cough? Although we can vaccinate for Bordetella (bacterial “whooping cough” in dogs) and canine influenza, Those are not the causative agent of the current KC outbreak.
