Kennel cough is an infection that can occur in dogs, and it has a slightly misleading name. While it's true that dogs can acquire this condition when they spend time in a kennel with other canines, the reality is that kennel cough can be transmitted in any venue in which there are multiple dogs in a small or confined space. While kennel cough is not overly serious, it's important to take a dog that you suspect of having this condition to a local animal hospital. Here are some symptoms that are present in a dog that has kennel cough.

Pronounced Cough

As its name suggests, kennel cough is a condition that will typically cause your dog to cough a lot. While dogs can cough at various times when they're healthy, the coughing that occurs when this infection is present will often sound different. Not only will it happen frequently, but it's also very strong. Some people find that the cough sounds like a hacking cough. In some cases, the dog will cough so violently that it vomits afterward. The frequency and severity of the cough should quickly alert you to the fact that something is wrong, prompting you to schedule an animal clinic visit.

Nasal Issues

The presence of a cough is perhaps the best way to tell if your dog has kennel cough, but this condition can include other symptoms that may help to alert you to something being wrong. Lots of dogs that are infected with kennel cough experience various nasal issues. For example, you might notice that your dog's nose is running frequently. The discharge from the nose might appear thicker or more colored than usual. Additionally, it's also possible that the pet may be sneezing frequently.

Decreased Appetite

Frequent coughing and one or more nasal issues should typically be enough to alert you to the fact that something is wrong with your dog, but you might also pick up on other indicators of your pet being unwell. When a dog has kennel cough, it will often experience a decrease in its appetite. The irritated tissues in the animal's throat may make eating painful, which can have your dog looking at the food in its bowl rather than devouring it. This is similar to how when humans have a sore throat, they might not wish to eat as much as usual. If you believe that your dog has kennel cough, see a veterinarian at your local animal hospital.

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