Kiwi dog owners warned about kennel cough outbreak

Vets in Aotearoa have seen a surge in canine cough cases across the country.

Canine cough, also known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread by dogs with the condition coughing, sneezing, sharing water bowls and sniffing.

Auckland Pet Hospital senior vet Vicki Lim says owners should look out for a cough or a sneeze.

"Even though it is named after a cough, a sneeze can definitely be part of it too,” she told TWN.

“Keep an eye on your dog for any vomiting, nasal discharge or phlegm, or if they are off their food,” she said.

Lim says vets sometimes prescribe cough suppressants; those with severe cases are given antibiotics.

Canine cough can lead to pneumonia; however, most dogs will have a mild case and do not need medication.

“If your dog is at home with the canine cough, a spoonful of honey twice a day can help if they are coughing. If your dog is congested, steam from the shower can help clear their airway,” she said.

Common places for catching canine cough are parks and dog day-cares, says Veterinary Council of New Zealand professional advisor Seton Butler.

Alongside minimising risk, dog owners are being urged to prepare by getting their dogs vaccinated.

“The annual vaccine reduces symptoms and prevents some dogs from getting the disease,” he said.

Butler added that there may be a wait time for vaccinations.

He said some vet clinics in Aotearoa were currently under pressure and may not have resources to keep up with the demand, partly due to an increase in pet ownership during lockdowns.

“Veterinarians may need to prioritise appointments. Everybody I know is doing their absolute best, and we ask clients to be patient,” said Buter.

Dog owner Rose Chang says neither she nor her partner were aware their dog Mars could still catch the virus after having the vaccine.

They first noticed their dog Mars coughing and thought he was choking. This went on for a couple of days, before he started vomiting stomach juices.

A vet confirmed he had canine cough.

“The vet gave him antibiotics and he recovered within two weeks,” she said.

Mars has recovered from his canine cough infection. Photo: supplied

Chang no longer lets Mars drink from shared dog bowls, and says canine cough is one of the reasons she no longer has Mars in daycare.

Dog owners are being asked to keep their dog at home and away from other dogs while sick.

Contact your vet if you are concerned about your dog.

LISTEN: Dog owner Rose Chang talks about her dog Mars catching kennel cough, despite being vaccinated