Kennel cough back

Wellington: The Veterinary Council says there is a resurgence of canine cough in the country.

The clinical name for canine cough, also known as kennel cough, is canine infectious respiratory disease or infectious tracheobronchitis.

Symptoms of the highly contagious virus include a dog having a loud, highpitched cough, that sounds like something is stuck in their throat or a goose honk, loss of appetite, low energy and nasal discharge.

The coughing can linger for several weeks.

Council professional adviser Seton Butler said canine cough could be tricky to manage because it was complex, often being caused by both bacteria and viruses.

It spreads easily by aerosol between dogs through sniffing, sharing water bowls, and coughing and sneezing.

‘‘If the symptoms aren’t improving or getting worse, you should take them to the vet,’’ he said. — RNZ