It seems like lately, we've been seeing a lot
of dogs come in for coughing, and leave with a diagnosis of kennel cough. Most of these dogs have been vaccinated for
kennel cough. So what is kennel cough,
and why are vaccinated dogs contracting it?
Kennel cough, also known as Tracheobronchitis,
is similar to the common cold in people.
It's contagious and easy to pass around, especially in group settings
such as boarding kennels and animal shelters.
Also at risk are dogs who visit the groomer (even if the groomer comes
to you), dog parks, daycares and pet stores.
Dogs who meet through the fence, on walks around the neighborhood, and
even in passing at the veterinary clinic, can pass along kennel cough.
A common cause of kennel cough is a bacteria
known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. When
your dog receives the kennel cough or Bordetella vaccine, he or she is being
vaccinated against this bacteria. Dogs
infected with Bordetella can also be infected with a virus such as Canine
Adenovirus or Parainfluenza.
The vaccine for Bordetella is similar to that
for human influenza-it does not protect against mutant strains. So your dog could become infected with a
mutant or less severe strain even if vaccinated.
Symptoms usually begin 3-10 days after
exposure. The most common symptom is the
dry, hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by coughing up foam or phlegm. Other symptoms can include sneezing, runny
nose, and discharge from the eyes.
Treatment of kennel cough includes antibiotics
and sometimes a cough suppressant (if the coughing is keeping dog and owner up
at night). Humidifiers can help as well,
or even letting your dog in the bathroom with you while you take a hot, steamy
shower. Some dogs may recover without
treatment, but left untreated, it could turn into pneumonia.
Any persistent or recurrent cough should be
brought to your veterinarian's attention as soon as possible. Any dog suspected of kennel cough should be
kept away from other dogs and public areas.
Keep unvaccinated dogs from contact with other dogs, even apparently
healthy dogs, until they are fully vaccinated.
And always make sure your kennel, groomer, and day care require proof of
the bordetella vaccine (as well as distemper/parvo and rabies) before leaving
your dog with them.
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in
#kennelcough #caninecough #tracheobronchitis #dogcough