Dog owners warned to avoid bowls in public parks as highly infectious kennel cough spreads

Vets are warning pet owners not to let your dogs drink from bowls in public parks as a highly contagious canine illness sweeps the state.

Pet owners have been urged to remain vigilant as a canine illness spreads throughout South Australia.

Vets are reporting higher rates of kennel cough, warning owners to keep their dogs away from communal bowls at public parks.

“What we’re seeing anecdotally is higher rates of kennel cough this year than previous years,” veterinary surgeon Dr Mark Reeve said.

Symptoms of the illness include an inflamed throat, lethargy, loss of appetite and a “seal cough”, which is a sign to owners.

The higher spread may be due to an increase in dogs out and about with their owners.

“More people are out walking their dogs so that might be why we’re seeing higher rates,” Dr Reeve said.

The illness is passed from dog to dog through actions such as touching noses or using communal bowls, the vet said.

Dr Mark Reeve of Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital with his dog Trae. Picture by Matt Turner.

He said it was hard to determine when a dog contracted the disease because they can be infectious before showing symptoms, warning doggie daycare centres cannot be easily blamed for the spread.

“It’s hard for these guys to prevent it,” he said.

The best way for pet owners to keep their canine friends safe is to prevent them from contracting the disease in the first place.

“I’m mainly urging people to keep their dog up to date with vaccinations,” Dr Reeve said.

While not usually serious, Mr Reeve urged pet owners to bring their dog in if symptoms persist.

“It lasts for three to five days but if your dog gets really flat or goes off their food we want to see them.”