The Veterinary Council says there's 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 high pitched 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 advisor Seton Butler said the outbreak could be the result of more dogs socialising during the recent school holidays and as a result of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

He said there are ways to minimise the risk.

"Canine cough is not Covid-19, but there are some similarities in how it's managed, such as isolating and getting vaccinated."

Butler said canine cough can be tricky to manage because it is 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 a dog is unwell, it is important to keep them at home and away from other dogs. If the symptoms aren't improving or getting worse, you should take them to the vet.''

Republished by Arrangement