Kennel
cough
is
an
inflammation
of
a
dog's
respiratory
system where the most
common symptom is a dry, hacking cough. It is often highly contagious
viral infection that can spread quickly among dogs in close proximity,
such as dogs in a boarding kennel.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
If your Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel has been exposed to another dog with kennel cough,
symptoms will generally appears within 3 to 5 days. The dry cough
associated with kennel cough often sounds to owners as if their pet is
gagging on something caught in their throat. Kennel cough may also be
associated with a fever in some cases.
It
can
take
2
to
3
weeks
for your Cavalier's health to return to normal,
in much the same way that most people need 2 to 3 weeks to recovery
from the flu. Your Veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent
the kennel cough from deteriorating into pneumonia. A cough suppressant
may also be in order.
However, the best treatment plan is prevention. Most Vets recommend
vaccinating your dog against the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
