McIvor Road Veterinary Centre's Nadia Wong said she has seen a huge increase of dogs with Kennel Cough this year.

"It seems to be a lot worse than last year," she said. "We have seen dogs with clinical signs such as fever and not eating beyond the two week incubation period.

"There have been one or two new cases each day of kennel cough. What ever strain is (going around) this year is more prevalent and stronger."

Dr Wong said owners would not always know if their dog has kennel cough with the illness having a two-week incubation period.

"The incubation period can confuse people because they wonder where their dog has been in the last week but it could have been (contracted) two weeks ago," she said.

"Everywhere that dog goes in that two weeks can spread to other dogs it comes into contact with.

"Kennel cough can be transferred if a dog is in the same room or even downwind from another (sick) dog.

"Regardless of if a dog is (fully) vaccinated, Kennel Cough can still be caught. Like with the flu shot, it can reduce the chance of catching and the severity of it but it doesn't stop (dogs becoming ill) completely."

As well as a persistent cough, more serious symptoms including fever and loss of appetite.

MyVet Strathfieldsaye vet Susan Bibby said they had also seen an increase in Kennel Cough but that vaccinated dogs weren't being as affected by it.

"What we have seen anecdotally is that dogs that are vaccinated are much better protected but it isn't a 100 per cent (protection)," she said.

Any sort of coughing can be caused by lots of things - heart disease, lung disease or infectious diseases."

"It's important that any dog persistently coughing is checked."

Dr Wong said Kennel Cough can often resolve itself but that it is good to confirm the diagnosis with your vet.

"If you see those symptoms, get a proper diagnosis. We recommend every dog showing signs of coughing (be looked at)," she said.

"The good news is the immune system can often get on top of it without antibiotics. If a dog has fever or is not eating we can treat it with medication.

"Other times we may prescribe an anti-inflammatory for their throat."

Dr Bibby said arthritis in older dogs was a concern during the winter months.

"We need to keep older pets warm and comfortable. If they show any evidence of slowing down or being in pain in the morning (it could be arthritis)," she said.

"It presents in a lot of dogs that are slowing down (in old age). But there is a lot we can do to improve their quality of life.

"It's good to have older dogs checked. For larger it can be from seven or eight years (of age) and smaller dogs usually around 10 or 12 years."

Dr Wong said she has also seen regular cases of conjunctivitis but that was more related to allergies in dogs.

"We see conjunctivitis maybe five or six times a week," she said.

"Conjunctivitis in dogs is more related to allergies as opposed to an infectious cause.

"The dogs coming in aren't frequently take to the dog park, but when they're there they swim in the dam or crash into things.

"It is more likely transferred that way than from one dog to another. You need close contact for it to spread like that."

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