Kansas animal shelter temporarily closes to monitor possible kennel cough symptoms

JUNCTION CITY (KSNT) - A northeast Kansas animal shelter will temporarily close to monitor symptoms that are similar to kennel cough.

The Junction City, KS Animal Shelter posted on social media Monday, Nov. 25 that it will be closed for a minimum of one week. This closure takes place so the shelter can monitor symptoms that could resemble kennel cough. This is a highly contagious respiratory disease, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

"Out of IMMENSE PRECAUTION, we will be halting all adoptions or showings until we are able to verify if this is Kennel Cough or not. Once clear, we will send an update out."

Statement excerpt from social media post

Because of the kind of shelter it is and the amount of dogs it houses, this is a very common illness shelters may see. The illness can spread due to one stray dog coming into the shelter, according to the post. Dog owners in the area are encouraged to stay vigilant when they're out at public places, as these could be areas where the illness can spread.

Symptoms of kennel cough are a strong cough, sometimes with a "honking" sound, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite and low fever, according to the AKC.

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