Dog that was at this South Shore dog park dies of kennel cough. What symptoms to watch for

MARSHFIELD − The town’s animal control officer is asking local dog owners to take precautions with their pets after a dog that frequented the Marshfield Dog Park died after showing signs of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease.

Two other dogs in the household also came down with symptoms but are recovering, said Marshfield Animal Control Officer Courtney Ellis. 

In a video posted to Facebook on July 8, Ellis said a local veterinarian had contacted her office to let her know of the dog’s death. She said the symptoms displayed by all three dogs in the household included coughing, sneezing, coughing up mucus and generally not doing well. 

“They were all on medication, but the owner stated that the dog who passed away was otherwise healthy and young,” Ellis said. “They did all frequent the Marshfield Dog Park, so I just wanted to let everybody know that something potentially viral could be going around.” 

Owners who bring their pets to the Marshfield Dog Park are being asked to take extra safety precautions after a dog who frequented the park died of respiratory issues associated with kennel cough.

While Ellis said her department does not have a lot of information on the extent of the issue beyond the one report, she said dog owners should take care to not let their dogs share water bowls or toys, particularly at the dog park. 

She asked that any dog owners whose pets display similar symptoms contact her department at 781-834-6655, ext. 1500. 

Kennel cough causes, symptoms and treatments

According to the American Kennel Club, kennel cough is most often caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and is sometimes referred to as just Bordetella.

In addition to the coughing, sneezing and coughing up mucus mentioned by Ellis, other symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite and a low fever.

The disease is called kennel cough because it is most easily spread in areas where dogs congregate, such as kennels and dog parks. Dog day care facilities, dog training groups, dog shows and even dog-friendly breweries and cafes are other areas where transmission can occur.

Dogs can spread kennel cough to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact like touching noses, or contaminated surfaces including food and water bowls, according to the American Kennel Club.

Can kennel cough be prevented?

A vaccine for kennel cough is available to inoculate dogs against the Bordetella bacterium in oral, intranasal and injectable forms. Dog that are exposed to groups of dogs might benefit from the vaccine, according to the American Kennel Club.

The illness can also be caused by other germs against which the vaccines may offer little protection.

How serious is kennel cough, and how is it treated?

The generally good news for dog owners is that the disease and its symptoms can often be successfully treated.

The American Kennel Club says mild cases of kennel cough are treated with a week or so of rest and supportive care, similarly to how humans recover from the common cold.

A veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants to ease symptoms. Puppies, older dogs and those with pre-existing illnesses are the most at risk of more significant symptoms.

Can humans contract the respiratory disease?

Bordetella poses the most risks for humans, but typically only affects those with extremely weakened immune systems and is not likely to come from an animal, according to the website Tristarvet.com.

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