POLOKWANE – Dog owners in Polokwane have been urged to take immediate precautions following reports of a kennel cough outbreak in the city.

Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs, caused mainly by the Bordetella bacterium but also by various viruses and bacteria.

It is said the illness spreads quickly in areas where dogs gather, such as dog parks, grooming salons, training groups, daycare/boarding facilities and even through shared bowls or contaminated surfaces.

In a Facebook post, local dog parlour Woofels states the contagious virus is spread through airborne droplets (like human flu), direct contact or surface contact.

“It can even be spread through yourself by touching one dog and then another. It is exactly like human flu. It is impossible to to combat if the dogs don’t get vaccinated,” their post reads.

Symptoms include:

• Harsh, hacking cough
• Runny nose or sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of energy and appetite

While the disease is generally treatable, vets warn that it can spread rapidly if not managed.

If one dog in a household contracts kennel cough, it is likely that other dogs will also be exposed.

Prevention:

It is recommended that dogs be vaccinated against Bordetella bacterium every six months.

The vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, however, it may not prevent every case caused by other bacteria or viruses.

Woofels stressed that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect pets and curb the outbreak.