Kennel cough warning

CANINES across Oldham are falling prey to kennel cough, a local vet has warned.

Ian McConnell, who runs practices in Mossley and Uppermill, says that he has treated four or five dogs with the ailment every day for the past three weeks.

He is urging dog owners to be on their guard against the disease and to take their dogs to vet if they start coughing.

He said: “Kennel cough in dogs is a bit like whooping cough in humans. It tends to spread when dogs are in close proximity to other dogs, like in kennels, parks and at shows. A vaccination is available to protect against the disease and a dog can be treated with antibiotics.

“But if it is left untreated, it can develop into pneumonia or even prove fatal, particularly in older dogs or puppies.”

People who notice their dog is coughing should contact a vet and also keep their pet away from other dogs, he advised.