When it comes to any common condition that affects dogs, it is important that you are aware of the main symptoms as a pet owner. Being familiar with symptoms of common conditions can help to ensure you get swift and proper treatment if and when the need arises. Among the problems your pet might experience when it comes to health is kennel cough, which is not only a common issue among dogs but also a highly contagious condition.

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, you need to make sure you speak to your vet to determine whether it is kennel cough and discuss whether any treatment is required. If your pet does have kennel cough or you believe it could be this condition, you also need to be a responsible owner and keep your dog isolated from other dogs because of the speed at which it can spread. Knowing some of the symptoms of kennel cough will make it easier for you to take the right steps, and we will look at some of the main symptoms in this article.

Some Signs to Look Out For

There are a number of signs that you should look out for if you want to get a better idea of whether your pet might have kennel cough. Of course, it is important to remember that some symptoms can be non-specific and could be down to other issues such as allergies, which is why it is best to get confirmation from a vet. Some of the symptoms that could indicate your pet has kennel cough are: 

·         Severe hacking cough

·         Expelling a white foamy substance

·         Sneezing

·         Appearing to be more lethargic

·         Loss of appetite

·         Slight fever

These are some of the symptoms that you should look out for, but as mentioned earlier, these could also be indicative of other issues, so getting your dog checked over is the best bet. You can then better determine whether treatment is needed and whether your dog needs to be isolated from others.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while kennel cough is not generally dangerous, there might be instances when it is serious. For instance, if your dog is very young or old, or if it has a weakened immune system, the outcome can be more serious.

Knowing the symptoms of kennel cough is very useful in order to get your pet seen and treated accordingly, and to work out whether your dog should be mixing with others. However, it is also very useful in terms of enabling you to determine whether other dogs might have kennel cough. In order to reduce the risk of your pet contracting this condition, you should keep an eye out for possible symptoms in other dogs that your pet might mix with. Knowing some of the key symptoms will help you to more easily do this.

These are some of the main symptoms to look out for in order to get an idea of whether your dog might have kennel cough.