Hi

My nine year old border collie was coughing like mad this morning when he got up - I thought it was kennel cough but no mucous. He coughed almost every time he moved about the house.  I went to work and now I'm home he's not coughing but is struggling to bark it's slightly muffled and croaky .........

Anybody have any ideas please?

I don't think there has to be mucus to be KC??  Last year not all mine had mucus?  so could still be KC?

Don't understand why he's not coughing now tho ?

I think it can settle down - trying to remember how mine were - they didn't permanently cought that's for sure?  guess if you are unsure and he doen'st seem right best to check with your vets - maybe just give them a call and see what they say?

Hope he is ok,

rach

Sounds like kennel cough to me too. Mine have had it several times over the years and I can't say I've ever noticed any mucous. They do tend to cough more when they're exercising or excited. That said if you are concerned you should of course take him to the vets - but leave him in the car till he's ready to be seen :)

There is an incredible amount of KC around at the moment, we are seeing about 2 cases a day!

I've been hearing of quite a few instances too.  I wonder if the very mild weather has allowed it to proliferate and it is one of these viruses that needs a good hard frost to help kill it off.

is it best just to leave kc to runs it's course then?

I don't think we have any choice in the matter.  If a secondary infection occurs antibiotics will help and if the dog is seriously ill it may need supporting therapy like fluids but there is no actual "cure" for the virus.