Kennel Cough | Causes and Cures

Kennel cough, also called bordetellosis, infectious respiratory disease and infectious canine cough, is an infection that is transmitted easily between dogs. It is very common, occurring throughout the world and affecting all breeds of dogs.

The name, kennel cough, comes from the fact that it often strikes dogs kept together in close confines, such as in dog kennels or at dog shows. That doesn't mean though, that only dogs kept in these situations are at risk of contracting it.

It is similar in nature to a cold in humans. A single infected dog coughing is all it takes for the virus to become airborne. After that it spreads very rapidly to any dog in the immediate vicinity.

The virus attacks the dog's windpipe and upper bronchi, although the dog will show little or no obvious signs of being ill. The most obvious symptom is a dry hacking cough that has been described as sounding like a "honking goose".

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.

What you need to be aware of though is that, if kennel cough is not treated, it can lead to pneumonia, which can be deadly. That's why it is very important to seek veterinary help for kennel cough, even if the infection seems mild.

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.

The easiest way to protect your dog from exposure to kennel cough is to keep him away from dogs you don't know. This includes dogs you encounter on the street or at the doggy park and is even more important if your dog is a puppy, with an underdeveloped immune system.

Be sure to also quiz the owner of any kennel or doggy day care your dog spends time at, although these facilities normally have strict rules and insist on proof of vaccination before they accept a dog.

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.

Of itself, kennel cough is not a threat to a healthy adult dog, but you need to be aware of the dangers of secondary infection and take appropriate action.

For more advice on kennel cough and other dog health problems, visit dogsanddogtraining.com