Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough, the common name that is given to infectious canine tracheobronchitis, is a very highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. As the name of the disease suggests, it is typified by inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. This disease is found throughout the world and is known to infect a very high percentage of dogs at least once during their lifetime. It is also medically referred to as tracheobronchitis and Bordetella.
Vaccination against infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is recommended if dogs go into a high risk situation such as a boarding kennel. All dogs should be protected against the unpleasant effects of this whooping cough-like disease. It can be spread whenever dogs get together, and a single dog can cause an outbreak of infection. Intervet/Schering-Plough recommends that if possible dogs are vaccinated at least two weeks before entering the kennels.
SYMPTOMS
- Dry hacking cough is the most common symptom
- Cough may sound like honking
- Retching
- Watery nasal discharge
In order to prevent this disease, it is recommended that you not expose your dog to kennel like or boarding conditions, where large populations of dogs are contained and mixed together. However, if you cannot avoid this, then a proper vaccination would be the best option.
