Kennel Cough, or canine infectious tracheo-bronchitis, is a highly
contagious disease of a dog's respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses
and bacteria. As the name suggests, it was historically seen primarily in dogs
that had been boarded at a kennels, or had come from a rescue centre. However
the disease is highly prevalent and its not just dogs in a kennel situation
that are at risk from the disease. In fact almost all pet dogs are at some
risk, making the name Kennel Cough rather misleading, outdated, and something
of a modern misnomer.
The method of transmission of Kennel Cough makes it very easy for dogs
to pass it on to each other. Infection can occur following any close contact
with another dog, as the disease is spread by airborne droplets from coughing,
sneezing or direct nose-to-nose contact. This means that as well as being
prevalent at boarding kennels and rescue centres, it can also be passed on
easily at shows, training classes, grooming parlours and even just on walks.
With more dog owners than ever before now employing dog walkers, and a huge
increase in the number of people getting their dog professionally groomed,
Kennel Cough is now a disease that the majority of the dog population is
exposed to.
What causes Kennel Cough?
Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is the most common and significant
underlying cause of Kennel Cough. However, a variety of organisms can
contribute to the disease, including canine parainfluenza virus, canine
adenovirus 1 and 2, canine influenza and canine herpesvirus. Secondary
bacterial infections are also very common.
Bb can also infect other species including cats and can be a rare risk
to immune compromised humans (such as HIV-positive and chemotherapy patients).
Symptoms
Symptoms include a harsh, dry, whooping-type cough which can cause
retching, loss of appetite, raised temperature, tiredness and occasionally,
pneumonia. Most healthy adult dogs are able to fight this off, although many
will require veterinary treatment to help them do so. The incubation period is
3-10 days, and the disease can last for up to 6 weeks. On occasion, more
serious complications such as pneumonia develop, which may prove fatal in old,
weak or very young dogs.
Treatment
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are often used to treat kennel
cough, and may alleviate the symptoms. However dogs may still be potentially
contagious, and should be kept away from other dogs whilst affected.
There are many possible causes for a cough in dogs, but if you think
your dog has kennel cough, always contact your vet for advice.
Prevention
The disease is highly infectious and it is strongly advised to keep
infected dogs away from healthy dogs. Ventilation and hygiene are important in
reducing the risks of this disease.
Vaccination is available and is effective, and is given intra-nasally (a
quick squirt up the nose!) Kennel Cough vaccination, like human Flu
vaccination, will not necessarily completely prevent your dog getting the
disease. However it will vastly reduce the likelihood of your dog getting
Kennel Cough, and if they do, the symptoms should be far less severe than if
they were unvaccinated.
Kennel Cough vaccination, in addition to the routine injectable
vaccination, is a requirement of most boarding establishments these days. It
needs to be administered at least two weeks prior to kennelling, and it is
advisable to check with the kennels on this, as some require it to be given
even further ahead.
We advise routine annual Kennel Cough vaccination for all at-risk dogs.
This includes those attending boarding kennels, dog shows, training classes,
and grooming parlours, but also those being walked with other dogs, or mixing
with other dogs when out and about. The vaccination can either be given at the
same time as your dog’s routine injectable vaccinations, or on a different
occasion.
Please phone us on 02476 464789 should you wish to book your dog in for
Kennel Cough vaccination, or to discuss any other aspect of your pet’s
healthcare.
