by Danielle Friedl

Created on: August 13, 2008

Kennel cough, also known as tracheobronchitis and Bordetellosis, is a fairly common and extremely infectious upper respiratory disease in dogs. The most common cause of kennel cough is parainfluenza, although many different organisms can contribute to this illness. It got the name 'kennel cough' because it is usually contracted in situations where many dogs are kept together, such as a boarding facility. For this reason any good boarder will require the Bordetella vaccination before admitting the dog to their kennels. Symptoms of kennel cough are usually unmistakeable. Dogs will begin with a dry cough that leads to retching. The distinctive honking sound that comes along with the cough is the tip off.

The best defense against kennel cough is prevention. The Bordetella vaccine should be given with all regular vaccines and again 6 months later, especially if your dog visits with other dogs, is boarded frequently or is a show dog that attends dog shows regularly. It is best to keep young, unvaccinated puppies away from any dogs that you don't know. If you are introducing a puppy to your current dog make sure your older dog is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations.

If despite all your best efforts you find yourself with a dog that has kennel cough do not despair. While it sounds horrible for your dog most cases are actually quite mild and are more like a bad cold for your dog. In cases mild cases your veterinarian will advise you to let the illness run its course. It is, after all, caused by a virus and just like in humans antibiotics are absolutely worthless in treating viral infections. If they seem to be doing a great deal of suffering due to the coughing your veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant or prednisone just to make your dog more comfortable.

More severe cases of kennel cough are often caused by a bacterial infection as a result of lowered immunity due to the virus. In this case you will definitely need a veterinarian's help. If your dog becomes lethargic, stops eating or appears to have a fever (remember that a dog's normal temperature is over 100 so they will naturally feel warmer than you when they are well) it is likely they have a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics, like tetracycline, at this point. If your dog was previously on cough suppressants or prednisone they will need to be discontinued at this point because they will suppress the immune system and prevent the mucous from being able to get out. If veterinary care is not sought after during this phase of kennel cough it could very quickly turn into a life-threatening form of pneumonia, however this usually only happens if the dog is not seen by a doctor and properly cared for.

Since kennel cough is largely preventable with vaccinations that is your best option when dealing with this disease. In cases where kennel cough does develop the most common outcome is that of a mild case with no serious complications. Older dogs and puppies, or dogs that are already of poor health, will have a harder time fending off this illness, thus it is extremely important to either have them properly vaccinated or get them immediate medical attention at the first sign of danger.

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