Kennel cough is a very common, gagging sounding cough, which sounds as if your dog has something stuck in its throat. It usually comes on very suddenly, often in the evening, or at night, keeping you and your dog awake.
It is very infectious and is easily spread between dogs. It is more often picked up from anywhere that dogs come together – such as parks and popular walking spots – so your dog can get it even if they’ve never been in kennels.
The condition irritates the main airways in the neck and lungs and can be particularly serious in very young or very old dogs, or those with pre-existing lung or heart problems, where it can cause permanent damage.
In most dogs, the worst of the cough will be over within a week, although they may then still have an occasional cough for a couple of weeks after that.
And as the cough is so infectious, it may be made worse by exercise.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent these problems, for up to 12 months. The kennel cough vaccination is given as a small dose of liquid down each nostril, to stimulate immunity directly where it’s most needed. Most dogs don’t mind this way of getting vaccinated, although it does tickle a little and make them sneeze.
As most of us socialise with our dogs, particularly in parks, or just when passing others in the street, Wallace believe that vaccinating against kennel cough is equally as important as all other preventative treatments – which is why Wallace now include the kennel cough vaccine in their Premium Pet Care Plan as standard.
Their care plan also offers discounts on consultations and surgery, including neutering. Neutering helps prevent unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and protects against various diseases. It also reduces straying, aggression and other antisocial behaviours.
To celebrate the 1st birthday of their Broughty Ferry practice opening, Wallace Veterinary Centres are giving one lucky dog or cat owner the chance to win a year’s subscription to their Premium Pet Care Plan for one of your pets, worth up to £280, giving them all their preventative treatments free for a whole year.
That includes their annual vaccination, flea, tick and worming treatments, two health checks, as well as the kennel cough vaccine.
To be in with a chance of winning a year’s subscription to Wallace’s Premium Pet Care Plan, send your name, address, postcode and phone number with Wallace in the subject field, to clindsay@thecourier.co.uk
The first name chosen after the closing date of February 8 will win the year’s free subscription.
