Kennel cough is a broad term for any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs. The term tracheobronchitis describes the location of infection causing inflammation to the ‘windpipe’ or trachea and bronchial tubes.

Several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, often all at the same time.  Some of these are the parainfluenza virus and the bacterium bordetella bronchiseptica. The bordetella bacteria lives in almost every dog, however, a good immune system keeps the bacteria under control.  A low immune system or stress can trigger bordetella to take hold and can cause an infection.  

Because the infection spreads when dogs are housed together at any time when your dog is in the vicinity of an infected dog, the potential exists for infection by air, touching, and other dogs toys, bowls, etc.  The incubation period is 5-10 days, meaning your dog will not show any signs of infection for 5-10 days following the exposure to the virus.

What are the clinical signs of ‘kennel cough’ other than coughing?

Clinical signs are varied, it is often a mild disease but the cough may be chronic lasting for several weeks in some cases. Common clinical signs include a loud cough often described as a “goose honk”, runny eyes, and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite and depressed behaviour. Most cases of infectious trachiobronchitis have palpable or elicit able cough that occurs when the throat is palpated or rubbed.

There is no specific treatment for the viral infections, but many of the more severe signs are due to bacterial involvement.  Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium, although some antibiotic resistance has been reported. Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks. Mild clinical signs may linger even when the bacteria have been eliminated.

How can I prevent my dog contracting Kennel Cough?

Most vaccination programs your veterinarian will recommend contain adenovirus and parainfluenza.  Bordetella vaccination is also highly recommended for dogs that are boarded, groomed or interact with other dogs in areas such as dog parks. Dogs that are vaccinated can also shed the virus within the first 72 hours after being given, causing mild signs of the infection to appear (cough, runny eyes, nose etc). It usually takes 7 days after the vaccination has been given for the dogs to develop the protection.

Immunity, even if your dog has experienced the infection naturally, is neither solid nor long-lasting.  Similarly, we cannot expect vaccines to do much better. Since immunity varies with the circumstances, consult with your veterinarian team regarding specific vaccination recommendations for your pet. Recommendations may vary according to specific circumstances. Some facilities require a booster vaccination shortly before grooming or boarding and some veterinarians recommend a booster vaccine every six months to ensure maximum protection against this troublesome infection.

How are the Bordetella vaccines administered?

Vaccination is given either by injection or intra-nasal route. Intra-nasal refers to the liquid vaccine administered as nose drops.  This allows local immunity to develop on the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and windpipe where the infectious agents first attack.  Always remember that vaccines are an important part of keeping your pets healthy and happy as well as regular visits to your vet clinic.  If you have any questions always consult your veterinary team.   Lexy