Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a contagious upper respiratory disease seen in dogs. It is transmitted through the air, and just like the common cold in people, there are several different organisms that can be the cause. Bordetella bronchiseptica m--, a bacterium, is one of the most common causes, which is why you may often hear kennel cough referred to as Bordetella. It occurs more commonly in puppies and young dogs, but any dog can be at risk. The illness is often transmitted at kennels, grooming facilities, and shelters where dogs are exposed to other dogs. Since kennel cough is airborne, it is not completely eliminated by normal cleaning or disinfecting.
Dogs with kennel cough are usually bright and alert, but have a
dry, hacking, forceful cough that sounds like a goose honk. Some dogs may
present other symptoms, such as sneezing or discharge from the eyes or nose.
Most dogs with kennel cough do not have a fever, and will still have a
normal appetite and activity level. If your dog has these symptoms, contact
your veterinarian for treatment. While many cases of kennel cough will resolve
on their own, medication can help speed up the recovery process, minimize
symptoms, and help to prevent secondary infections, like pneumonia. Similar to the
common cold, kennel cough is not “cured”, but must run its course. Most
dogs will completely recover within 3 weeks.
Dogs with kennel cough should be rested and kept in a relatively
warm, well-humidified environment. You may want to use a harness instead
of a neck collar since pulling on a collar can aggravate the cough. They should
also be kept away from any other dogs to prevent exposing them to this very
contagious disease. If your dog does not seem to be recovering as
expected, you should follow up with your veterinarian since an ongoing kennel
cough infection can lead to pneumonia. Difficulty or rapid breathing,
decreased appetite, and lethargy may be symptoms of a more serious condition
and should be addressed by your veterinarian right away.
There is a vaccine available to prevent your dog from catching
the contagious disease. If your dog will be going to grooming facilities,
boarded at a kennel, or having contact with other dogs we recommend a
Bordetella vaccine be given annually. Remember that there are multiple
different organisms that can lead to an infection, and the vaccine only
protects against the most common organisms. Vaccination helps to reduce your
dog’s risk, but it is possible that a vaccinated dog may develop kennel
cough. Choosing a kennel or groomer that requires all dogs to be
vaccinated, and who use ventilation and/or air filtration systems can also help
to reduce your dog’s risk of infection.
