Let's Talk About Canine Cough

Just like the common cold in humans, your dog can catch Canine Cough.

A Canine Cough, also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis (or Kennel Cough), is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an airborne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3-7 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge which can last anywhere from a few days to several days. Although this cough is very annoying it does not usually develop into anything more serious. However just as with the common cold, it can lower the dog's resistance to other diseases making him/her susceptible to secondary infections, and so he/she must be observed closely to avoid complications.

Tracheobronchitis does not occur naturally in Kennels but is brought into the facility by an infected dog. Since these viruses can be present anywhere and can travel considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog, even one who never leaves its own backyard. Your dog can catch Tracheobronchitis when running loose or while being walked near other dogs on the street or in the park.

No amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalised care can prevent a dog from “catching” an airborne virus. All that a good dog boarding kennel can do is to strongly recommend immunisation against tracheobronchitis, refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible.

At Alida's, we pride ourselves on our cleanliness and care taken with the sanitation of our facility. All kennels are pressure washed and sanitised daily with a commercial grade disinfectant. Due to Alida's advanced air extraction system, we are able to minimise the transfer of airborne viral diseases.

As is always the case, we recommend you consult your vet should you have any concerns.