Puppy Bronchitis

Question
My husband and I are going to pick up our 8-week old Puggle this weekend and we just found out that she (and the rest of the litter) had Bordetella last week. She was put on antibiotics and is recovering fine. Do I need to be concerned that she is so young and has already been sick? Is there anything else I should be concerned about in this situation? The breeder said that this is the first time this has happened and she isn't concerned; however beings that my husband and I are doing this long distance and we first time puppy owners-to-be, it makes us a little nervous to hear that she has been sick.

Answer
Hi Nichole,

Bordetella and Bronchitis are both known as "kennel cough". The Bordetella organism causes inflammation of the tubes in the lungs and bronchi, making infectious bronchitis is a much better term.

Mild cases are similar to the common cold in humans. The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching, or "honking" sound. A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs and puppies continue to eat are alert and active. If the puppy has a good appetite and is alert but suffers only from a recurrent cough, the treatment is often no treatment! Most uncomplicated cases of kennel cough usually resolve by themselves without any treatment within 7 - 14 days. For symptomatic relief a cough suppressant, nebulizer, or short term steroids might be prescribed. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed if the symptoms are severe or to lessen the chance of a secondary bacterial infection. Even in the most hygienic, well ventilated, spacious kennels the possibility of a dog acquiring Kennel Cough exists.

Because this condition is similar to a human cold, there is always the chance a dog or puppy will catch kennel cough again at some point. It's helpful to vaccinate for this, but this vaccine isn't long lasting, and needs to be done yearly. No vaccine offers a 100% guarantee of protection. The possiblity for getting kennel cough if the conditions are right will exist, but your puppy has a much better chance of not catching it again, if she vaccinated for it.

The prognosis for mild kennel cough is excellent. Symptoms will usually disappear within two weeks. If the puppy develops severe kennel cough and pneumonia results, the prospect of a full recovery is less certain; in these cases, symptoms can continue for up to seven weeks and severe illness or possibly even death may result.

Just as if you were to catch a cold, you might want to take a supplement to help fortify your immunity. The same is true of puppies. The best way to boost a puppy's immune system is a wholesome, healthful diet, ideally containing organic ingredients. Good nutrition is the cornerstone for health, coupled with regular exercise and your love. A healthy puppy does not need special herbal supplements like echinacea to boost the immune system. Avoid stress, such as noisy and rough children, and be mindful that the puppy's immune system is weakened for some time after the puppy has been vaccinated.
This handy dog food comparison tool is a helpful way of comparing ingredients in dog and puppy foods by brand name: http://www.naturapet.com/tools/comparison.asp

If your potential puppy had a mild case of Bordetella or Bronchitis, and has completely gotten over it before you pick her up, it shouldn't impact her future health.

Anytime you adopt a new puppy, it's always a good idea to have her checked by your own veterinarian. If you are unsure of the health of this puppy, talk to the breeder about having the sale contingent on the findings of your veterinarian, and get the agreement in writing.

Best of luck,
Patti