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Don't scoff at that cough!
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I have frequently been asked whether vaccinating against Kennel Cough is really necessary. It is not part of our routine vaccination programme and is always given on special instruction/request by the owner.
Lately I have had many of these requests from clients who are taking their dogs to training, dog parks, parlours, doggy day care or working dog associations.
What is kennel cough?
It is an upper airway infection caused by a couple of viruses and a specific bacteria. It is highly contagious and one coughing dog in a crowded scenario would cause it to spread like a veld fire to others.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms include a dry choking cough which may be followed by a retching sound and possibly vomition of thick slime and/or a bit of food from the stomach.
It is the classical “My dog has a bone/something stuck in its’ throat” complaint.
Some dogs also sneeze or have a runny nose but seem otherwise healthy. Others will have a transient fever and may be a little listless and lethargic.
It is only fatal in very old, immunocompromised patients and those with another disease. Some patients may, over a period of 3 weeks, eventually get over the infection by themselves but treatment is essential for a speedy recovery.
So, although it is rarely fatal, the coughing episodes keep the dog and its owners up at night. It can become so incapacitating that the dog can hardly move without having a coughing fit.
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How do we prevent this disease?
There are 2 forms of the vaccine – one that is delivered as a nasal drop and the other which is injected under the skin. Both have the same activating effect on the immune system.
These vaccines, just like our flu vaccine, cannot give 100% protection, but they will lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Vaccinations are done only once yearly.

What is the point if there is no absolute protection?
Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, any facility experiencing an outbreak might have to close until there is no risk of infecting further patrons or patients.
Then lastly there is always this one question, and yes, if it was my dog being exposed to a high density dog situation, I would vaccinate.
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