This description is included because Kennel Cough is one of the most common illnesses that can affect a newly homed dog after leaving a welfare centre.
Kennel Cough is a disease that any dog can catch, whether it is a pedigree or a mongrel. The name comes from the fact that more dogs tend to have it after a time in kennels, but any dog can suffer from it. Think of it as the dog equivalent of the common cold since it is caused mainly by viruses. It is quite infectious but as long as the dog is healthy it is not to serious a disease. It usually involves a dry cough which many owners describe as if there is something stuck in the dogs throat. If anything is coughed up it is usually white and frothy. Occasionally a small amount of bile may be vomited up. There can also be sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes.
As mentioned viruses most often cause this disease. This means that there are no drugs available to cure it. Instead it is usually left to run its course and the dogs immune system will eventually rid the body of the virus. However you may find that your dog is put on antibiotics, either before you take it home or when a vet examines it. This is to make sure that there are no complications of other infection on top of the Kennel Cough itself which may make the dog more unwell. This is especially true of puppies, older dogs or those that are found to have a high temperature. It is vitally important that your dog receives the full course of any medication that they are on. There are other drugs that can help reduce some of the symptoms of Kennel Cough, such as the dry hacking cough or high temperature, but you should never administer a drug to your dog unless told to do so by a vet or an authorised member of staff, and then it should be exactly the dose prescribed. It can be very dangerous to do otherwise, even it is a friend who told you that they used some remedy on there own dog.
Since Kennel Cough is infectious any other dog you have at home, or are owned by a family member or neighbour can catch it. Some animals could be at risk of developing a more serious illness, for example puppies, very old dogs or dogs with other conditions and perhaps on medication. It these circumstances it would be advisable to speak, with your vet, before acquiring a new dog.
It should be mentioned that the symptoms of Kennel Cough could sometimes be confused with distemper, even by vets. Distemper is very rare at the moment in Scotland and a dog would not be homed if there were the slightest possibility of them having this fatal disease.
If you have any doubts on the health of your dog please consult a Vet.