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December 11, 2009

Heather Farm Dog Park closed due to kennel cough outbreak

Walnut Creek's parks department has temporarily closed the Heather Farm Dog Park due to a reported number of cases of bordetella--better known as kennel cough.

This term is applied to upper respiratory problems in dogs. According to Peteducation.com, the condition has become known as tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella. It is highly contagious, especially among dogs boarded in kennels or that come into close contact.

There are different infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria, involved.

The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as having a 'honking sound.' A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active.

If you have questions about the dog park closure, call (925) 943-5858

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Good work by City folks to stop the transmission of the disease by closing the dog park immediately. They probably would have needed to do it by today because of rain anyway.