We took one of our dogs to the dog park two weekends ago and now both of our dogs are "sneezing". The one that was taken to the park started early last week and the other began yesterday. They do it worse when they are excited (for example when someone walks in the door). The dogs don't seem any different than normal other than the sneezing, but I'm worried that they have kennel cough. Is this something that needs to be taken care of asap or will it go away on its own like a common cold in a person? I don't know how soon I can get to a vet, but if it's something serious I'll find a way. Thanks

3/15/2008 8:24:17 AM

i'm no vet but maybe they just have allergies

i mean my car is covered in pollen

3/15/2008 10:18:02 AM

Are they coughing at all or is it just sneezing? If they are coughing, is it more of a dry hacking or wet cough? Any discharge from the eyes or nose? If so, describe it. Is their behavior normal or do they seem more lethargic than usual? Also, not to skip over the obvious, but are they up to date on all of their vaccinces and when was the last date of their "kennel cough" vaccine? If it is something like "kennel cough," these infections are usually self-limiting and can require treatment with antibiotics and other things like cough suppressants. But, there's plenty of other possibilities...

3/15/2008 2:38:16 PM

I'm a vet, but I don't like talking about the war.

3/15/2008 2:44:46 PM

We moved recently and they are behind on their shots. The last time they got a vaccine for kennel cough was a year or two ago. I really can't remember when it was to be honest with you. That's why I'm worried that they have it. They are just sneezing, though the lab will make a noise from time to time that sounds like she's trying to clear her throat. They have had "eye boogers" in the morning, but haven't been coughing up anything or haven't had anything come out of their noses. The lab, who is the one sneezing the most now, seems a little more lethargic than the small one, but she's also older. The Boston was the one who got sick first, and he seems a little better now...but the lab is more sick than the Boston was.

3/16/2008 9:23:07 AM

Bring them to a vet. If you moved away from your former one then find a new one.
There are plenty of threads in the Lounge for vet recommendations (I go to Oberlin in Raleigh for my dogs and Park Vet in Durham for my small animals).

They need/should be vaccinated for DHLPP, bordetella (kennel cough) and rabies.

If you are concerned about this sneeze (and care about your dogs) then you really should get them to the vet soon. It's been 2 weeks, the longer you wait the more likely it could develop into something serious (and more expensive). It's better to be safe then sorry.

If your dogs aren't UTD on their vaccines then you shouldn't be taking them to a park.... for the health of your dogs and other people dogs. Are they on heartworm prevention? It's easy for dogs to pick all sorts of fun parasites at parks.


one of my dogs sometimes wheezes but it's when he's excited and anxious and as soon as he calms down he's fine.

3/16/2008 9:40:17 AM