Hey there, dog lovers in Hyderabad! If you’ve ever heard your furry friend coughing like they swallowed a squeaky toy, you might be dealing with kennel cough. It’s super common, but it can scare you if you don’t know what’s going on. At Petyaari Pet Clinic in Hyderabad, we see lots of pups with this cough, and we’re here to help you understand it. Call us at +91-9959337244 or book a consultation if you need us. Let’s talk about what kennel cough is, how to spot it, and how to keep your doggo safe.
My Dog’s Cough Scared Me!
Last year, my neighbour in Banjara Hills, Priya, called me in a panic. Her dog, Milo, a super playful Labrador, started coughing like he was trying to bark out a storm. It sounded like a goose honking! Priya thought Milo was choking on something. She rushed him to Petyaari Pet Clinic, and the vet, Dr Sajeed, told her it was kennel cough. Priya felt so relieved to know it wasn’t serious, but she wished she knew more about it before. That’s why I’m writing this, to help you avoid that worry!
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a doggy cold. It’s not one germ, but a bunch of germs, viruses and bacteria that make your dog’s throat and lungs itchy. The main bad guy is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. It’s catchy, like when you get a cold from your friend at school. Dogs get it from being around other dogs, like at dog parks in Gachibowli or pet boarding places near Jubilee Hills.
It’s called kennel cough because it spreads fast in places where dogs hang out, like kennels or daycares. But your dog can get it anywhere, even on a walk in KBR Park! It’s not usually dangerous, but it can make your dog feel yucky.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Kennel Cough?
Here’s what to look for. If your dog has kennel cough, they might:
- Cough a lot, like a loud, dry hack. It sounds like they’re trying to clear their throat.
- Sneeze or have a runny nose.
- Act tired or do not want to play as much.
- Sometimes, they might gag or spit up a little foam after coughing.
Milo, Priya’s dog, was still wagging his tail, but his cough was so loud it woke up the neighbours! Most dogs don’t get super sick, but if your pup is old, a puppy, or has other health problems, you gotta be extra careful.
Why Hyderabad Dogs Get Kennel Cough
Hyderabad is a busy city, right? We love taking our dogs to places like the dog park in Madhapur or pet events in Hitech City. But these spots are like germ parties for kennel cough. The hot, dusty air in Hyderabad can also make your dog’s throat dry, so they cough more. Plus, during the monsoon season, the wet weather can make germs spread faster. Last month, Petyaari Pet Clinic saw a bunch of dogs with kennel cough after a big pet adoption event in Begumpet. So, if your dog’s been out and about, keep an eye on them.
How Does Kennel Cough Spread?
Think of kennel cough like a cold you catch from a sneezy classmate. Dogs spread it by:
- Sneezing or coughing near each other.
- Sharing water bowls or toys at a pet store in Kondapur.
- Sniffing the same spots during walks.
It’s super easy for dogs to pass it around. That’s why places like Petyaari Pet Clinic, where we’re all about keeping pets healthy, tell you to vaccinate your dog and avoid crowded doggy spots if you hear about kennel cough going around.
Can My Dog Get Really Sick?
Most dogs get better in a week or two. It’s like when you have a cold and feel better after some rest. But sometimes, kennel cough can turn into something worse, like pneumonia, especially for tiny puppies or older dogs. If your dog stops eating, gets super sleepy, or has trouble breathing, call Petyaari Pet Clinic at +91-9959337244 right away. Our emergency veterinarian service is ready to help, so we’re here when you need us.
How Do We Treat Kennel Cough?
At Petyaari Pet Clinic, we check your dog to make sure it’s kennel cough and not something else. Here’s what we do:
- Check-up: Our vets in Hyderabad do a full exam. Sometimes, we use our diagnostic centre to take X-rays or tests to be sure.
- Medicine: If it’s bad, we might give antibiotics from our veterinary pharmacy. These help if bacteria are making the cough worse.
- Rest: Your dog needs to chill, like when you stay home from school with a cold. Keep them away from other dogs so they don’t spread it.
- Home care: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist. It’s like giving your dog a steamy bathroom to soothe their throat.
Priya’s dog Milo got antibiotics and was back to chasing his tail in a week. Dr Mohd Sajeed gave her tips to keep Milo comfy, like using a harness instead of a collar so his throat didn’t hurt when he pulled on walks.
Preventing Kennel Cough
You don’t want your dog to get kennel cough, right? Here’s how to stop it:
- Vaccinate: There’s a vaccine for Bordetella, the main kennel cough germ. Petyaari Pet Clinic offers it, and it’s a must if your dog goes to daycare or boarding.
- Avoid sick dogs: If you hear about kennel cough cases in Secunderabad, skip the dog park for a bit.
- Keep things clean: Wash your dog’s bowls and toys. Our pet care store at Petyaari has safe cleaning supplies you can buy.
- Boost health: Feed your dog good food and keep them active. A strong dog fights germs better.
Last year, a pet kennel in Banjara Hills had a kennel cough outbreak because they didn’t clean their play area. A bunch of dogs got sick, and it was a mess! So, always check if places are clean before taking your dog there.
What If My Dog Keeps Coughing?
If your dog’s cough doesn’t go away in two weeks, or if they get worse, bring them to Petyaari Pet Clinic. We’re in Hyderabad, and our diagnostic centre can figure out if something else is wrong, like allergies or a heart problem. We had a case last month where a dog in Madhapur kept coughing, and it turned out to be a different infection. Our vets caught it early, and the dog’s doing great now.
Kennel Cough Myths
Some folks in Hyderabad think kennel cough only happens in kennels. Nope! Your dog can get it anywhere. Another myth is that it’s always super serious. Most dogs bounce back fast with the right care. And no, humans can’t catch kennel cough, so don’t worry about that!
Why Choose Petyaari Pet Clinic?
At Petyaari Pet Clinic, we love dogs as much as you do. Our animal hospital in Hyderabad is ready to help with kennel cough or any pet problem. We’ve got a veterinary pharmacy, diagnostic centre, and emergency services, so your dog gets the best care. Plus, our pet care store has stuff to keep your dog healthy, like toys and food. Visit us at https://petyaari.com or call +91-9959337244 to book a visit.
A Happy Ending for Milo
Remember Milo, Priya’s Labrador? After his kennel cough, he’s back to running around their garden in Banjara Hills. Priya now decided to vaccinate him every year and check with Petyaari before taking him to crowded places. She says it’s like keeping her kid safe from a cold, it’s just part of being a pet parent.
Final Thoughts
Kennel cough in dogs sounds scary, but it’s usually no big deal with the right care. Keep your dog vaccinated, avoid germy spots, and call Petyaari Pet Clinic in Hyderabad if you’re worried. We’re here to help your furry friend stay happy and healthy. Got questions? Ring us at +91-9959337244 or book a consultation. Your dog deserves the best, and we’re here to give it!