Whistler is dealing with a bad outbreak of kennel cough among dogs in the resort community.
Dozens of dogs have contracted the bacterial and viral infection since mid-April.
Kennel cough is contagious and spreads quickly through nose to nose contact in off-leash areas. It comes with a persistent, forceful cough. Dogs can also have other symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and eye discharge.
Because Whistler has a large transient dog population, it sees up to three kennel cough outbreaks per year.
Andrea Caplan’s dog started coughing, choking and vomiting last Thursday.
‘Tilly’ is now on antibiotics and doing much better, but Caplan wants to warn other dog owners to be careful.
“We need to stop it from spreading because it’s so contagious,” says Caplan. “It’s horrible to see your little pet suffering and not feel like you can help them.”
Dr. Christine Kirby with Coast Mountain Veterinary Services told Global News there are times when the disease is worse than others, and this time around is definitely one of the worst.
Veterinarians in the Vancouver area are also warning the public about the spread of the disease.
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