Kennel Cough

Information About Kennel Cough

What is Kennel Cough?
Canine kennel cough is similar to a common cold in humans. It is especially common in dogs that have been exposed to a lot of other dogs, such as at an animal shelter. Kennel cough is very rarely fatal, and usually resolves within one to three weeks. Canine kennel cough can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or a combination of the two.

How is it Transmitted?
Canine kennel cough can be transmitted through the air, or through dog-to-dog contact. Dogs kenneled closely together are at a higher risk for infection – hence the name!

What are the Signs?
Once exposed, it takes 3 to 10 days to see symptoms; this explains why dogs may get adopted healthy, and then start showing signs in their new home. Symptoms can include: a dry hacking cough, nasal discharge. Most dogs will not act abnormally with their hacking cough being the exception. A very small percentage of infected dogs develop pneumonia, which will require a more intensive line of treatment.

Which Dogs Get it?
Dogs closely housed together or dogs boarded with a number of other dogs run the risk of contracting canine kennel cough.

How is Kennel Cough Treated?
Most cases will resolve with a 10 to 14 day course of antibiotics. Occasionally additional medications may be used to help suppress the cough.

How is Kennel Cough Prevented?
There is a vaccine for Bordatella Bronchiseptica, one of the bacteria known to be a cause of kennel cough. However, this bacterium is not the only known cause; so dogs infected with other bacteria or viruses can still get this disease.

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