Kennel cough: Raleigh vet warns dog owners of outbreak in North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — A Raleigh veterinarian is warning pet owners to take precautions after seeing a spike in dogs with severe coughs.

Dr. Page Wages at Care First Oberlin Animal Hospital in Raleigh says it’s called canine infectious respiratory disease complex or kennel cough. They have seen 170 dogs with it over the past few years.

“It’s a bad cough. The owners bring them in and say the dog is choking on something and it suddenly starts. They act like they’re choking and then they get sicker and sicker,” said said Dr. Wages.

The disease can be fatal if left untreated. Dr. Wages is worried about dog boarding during the 4th of July holiday.

If you’re planning on boarding your dog over the holiday weekend, she suggests making sure your best furry friend is up to date on flu, bordetella, and distemper shots at least two weeks before. boarding.

Other places to look out for include dog parks and dog daycares. Common areas like this can be where dogs get kennel cough. Making sure your pet is vaccinated and limiting their exposure to potentially sick dogs are the best ways to keep your furry friends healthy.