Kennel Cough

I have had a number of enquiries recently regarding the contracting of ‘kennel cough' at dog parks, or off-leash areas.

The veterinary community generally regard off-leash areas at least theoretically as prime potential places to contract ‘kennel cough' or ‘canine cough', as there are often a number of dogs playing and running and wrestling together and also drinking from the same water dishes that sometimes sit under taps at these parks.

The good news is that with the prevalence of annual C5 vaccinations given to most dogs these days, which includes reasonable canine cough protection, the incidence of this disease seems to be reducing, and I certainly do not discourage my clients from visiting dog off-leash areas providing they keep their dog up to date with canine cough vaccinations.

The socialization and exercise benefits (for dogs and owners) far outweigh the risks of catching canine cough, which is usually treatable with a course of antibiotics.