Kennel cough

[Snappy]

I work with dogs and we currently have a bout of kennel cough going around. Can i pass it on to my own dogs or would they have to come into contact with the actual dogs who have it?

[woofgang]

I've had a look round and the websites seem to confirm what I thought, that kennel cough is caused by droplet infection. There doesn't need to be direct dog to dog contact under damp conditions. The only time our dogs ever got kennel cough was when there was an outbreak among the local foxes. It was autumn and damp and the local vet was overrun with people phoning in saying they thought their dog had kennel cough but how could it be because they hadn't been in contact with other dogs.

One website also advises not allowing your dog to share food or water bowls or toys with other dogs in circs like shows or kennels because of the risk of passing on kennel cough. So IMHO, I guess the answer is maybe.

If you are coughed over at work and the droplets stay moist, then your dog licks them up or snuffs over you and inhales them, it would appear that there is some risk.

Can you change, including shoes and wash your hands before you go home?

[AB Editor]

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