Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, resolving on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.  The main cause of kennel cough is the airborne bacteria, Bordetella Bronchiseptica.  Typically, more than one of these pathogens (disease-causing agents) must bombard the dog at once to trigger illness.  Kennel cough can also be caused by number of viruses.  Cases of kennel cough are usually caused by several infectious organisms.  These organisms develop a very significant infection and inflammation of the lining of the dog’s trachea and the bronchi.  The damage to the tracheal lining is fairly superficial, but exposes nerve endings that become irritated simply by the passage of air over the damaged tracheal lining.  Once the organisms are eliminated the tracheal lining will heal rapidly.

What are the symptoms?

A dog with kennel cough will develop a coarse, dry, hacking cough about five to ten days after being infected.  It sounds as if the dog needs to “clear it’s throat” and the cough will be triggered by any extra activity, drinking water, exposed to change of temperature or exercise.  Many dogs that acquire kennel cough can have episodes of coughing that may go on for a few minutes at a time and then be repeated at intervals.  Their general state of health and alertness are not usually affected, they usually have no rise in temperature, and do not loose their appetite.  Some dogs also develop conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane), and a nasal discharge.  The signs of kennel cough will usually last from 7 to 21 days.  If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, isolate your dog and visit your veterinarian for medical advice.  It is always a good idea, though, to have any dog examined if coughing is noticed because some very serious respiratory diseases and even cardiac disease might display similar sounding coughing.  Your veterinarian will be able to make the diagnosis.

   What do I do if I suspect my dog may be infected?

If your dog does develop kennel cough symptoms, don’t panic!   Not taking your dog to public places will help to prevent the spread of infection.  The way this illness operates is analogous to the common cold that we humans sometimes catch, simply put, it must run its course.  If you have more than one dog in your household, and one of them develops kennel cough, you can try to minimize exposure to your other dog(s).  However, by the time your dog is symptomatic, the virus has probably already been “shared” with your other dogs or any other dogs with which your dog has had contact with.  Contact your dog’s veterinarian for the best plan of action for your dog.

  How did my dog become infected?

The organisms that are responsible are spread primarily on small water droplets in the air and direct contact between dogs, much the same way the human “colds” are transmitted.  Even in the most hygienic and well-ventilated facilities, the chance of catching kennel cough exists.  Kennel cough can be acquired from your neighbor’s dog, from a Champion show dog at a dog show, from the animal hospital, yes, even dog day care.  Usually, it’s from an infected dog, unknown to anyone till the symptoms appear, what has acted as the source.  Many dogs will have protective levels of immunity to kennel cough via minor exposures to the infective organisms and will not acquire the disease if exposed.

  How do I decrease the risk?

Vaccines will help but, they are not always effective in preventing infection, the vaccines do seem to be very effective at minimizing kennel cough.  The explanation for this is that there are many strains and mutations of the virus.  Similar to the flu shot for people, some people still get the flu even with having the flu shot, though their flu is a milder case.  With a vaccination for kennel cough if your dog gets kennel cough, usually it’s a milder case.  Your veterinarian can advise you on what’s best for your dog.