Kennel cough, also called bordetellosis, infectious respiratory disease and infectious canine cough, is an infection that is transmitted easily between dogs. It is one of the most common canine diseases, occurring worldwide and in all dog breeds.
The disease derives its name because it commonly occurs where dogs are kept close together, for example in kennels, dog shelters or at dog shows. However, the infectious nature of the disease means even dogs kept apart from others may be at risk. A good analogy is to think of it as you would a human cold. All that is needed is one dog coughing and the virus becomes airborne. When that occurs any dog within the immediate area can catch it.
Once a dog is infected, the windpipe and upper bronchi are irritated and damaged by infectious microorganisms, although the dog will show few ill-effects. What will be obvious though, is the disease’s trademark cough, which sounds like a goose honking.
This is often enough to send many dog owners into a panic, but in fact, most cases of kennel cough are quite mild. Your dog will mostly carry on as normal, with only the cough to indicate he is unwell.The real danger is that, untreated, kennel cough infections can develop into pneumonia, which can potentially be life threatening. For this reason, it is important to refer any instance of kennel cough to your vet, no matter how mild it may seem to you.
Your vet will do a diagnosis and may then put the dog on a course of antibiotics. Or, if the infection is mild, the vet may opt not to treat it, but will advise you to monitor the symptoms and let him know if they worsen. If the infection is deemed to be more serious though, antibiotics ill definitely be prescribed.
It may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent your dog getting kennel cough is to avoid exposure to dogs that you don’t know. This includes while you are out walking your dog or at the dog park. And it applies double while your dog is still a puppy and his immune system is still not fully developed.
Despite its connection with kenneled dogs, most kenneling facilities are well aware of the dangers of the disease and will require proof of vaccination before taking a dog in. If they don’t, take your dog somewhere else.
Vaccinating your dog against kennel cough is an absolute necessity, even if he’s never likely to see the inside of a dog kennel. The vaccine is usually given with the annual “five in one” booster shot, but speak to your vet if you have any concerns in this regard.
Most healthy adult dogs are not at serious risk from kennel cough, but it is essential that you have your dog treated because of the risk of more serious secondary infections.
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