The Rotary Dog Park in Cranberry Township is closed until further notice due to an outbreak of kennel cough.

CRANBERRY TWP — Following a report of an outbreak of kennel cough and the closure of one county dog park, the Rotary Dog Park in Cranberry Community Park is closed until further notice.

According to dog park officials, township officials were notified of 18 cases of the sickness throughout the county.

“There have now been several reported cases of kennel cough at Cranberry Township Dog Park,” officials posted Thursday afternoon on the dog park's Facebook page. “The dog park will be CLOSED until further notice.”

Signs alerting patrons to the closure were posted on the park gates. Information from the township indicates the park will be disinfected before being reopened.

Symptoms of kennel cough, which is prevalent in late summer and early fall, is a progressive, dry sounding, hacking cough that becomes worse with exercise and is occasionally accompanied by nasal drainage. Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections are available as are cough suppressants.

Brian Perry, facility, field and special event coordinator for the township, said the park likely would be closed through the weekend to allow officials a chance to examine and clean the park and ensure it is safe.

Perry said Cranberry has received no reports of kennel cough cases associated with last weekend's Puppy Plunge at the water park in North Boundary Park. He said updated vaccination certification for all dogs is a requirement for participation in the event.

“We know that's not a way to catch 100 percent (of the cases), but we haven't had any issues,” he said.

Earlier this week, Jade's Dog Park at Alameda Park was closed for a week as a precautionary measure. Officials intended to do extra cleaning during the closure.

According to Madison McGinnis of Cranberry Veterinary Hospital, the clinic has seen a few cases of kennel cough in the past week. She said the vaccine helps to lesson the impact of the sickness, but doesn't technically offer full prevention. She stressed the importance of cleaning any area where a dog with kennel cough might have been as it is “extremely contagious.”

The illness can be transmitted via cages, food and water dishes and through saliva contact.