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Kennel cough, also called bordetellosis, infectious respiratory disease and infectious canine cough, is an infection that is transmitted easily between dogs. It is one of the most common canine diseases, occurring worldwide and in all dog breeds.

The disease derives its name because it commonly occurs where dogs are kept close together, for example in kennels, dog shelters or at dog shows. However, the infectious nature of the disease means even dogs kept apart from others may be at risk. Think of it as being similar to the human cold. All it takes is one infected dog coughing for the virus to become airborne. Once that happens, any dog in the area may contract kennel cough.

Once a dog is infected, the windpipe and upper bronchi are irritated and damaged by infectious microorganisms, although the dog will show few ill-effects. What will be obvious though, is the disease’s trademark cough, which sounds like a goose honking.

Often this coughing will set alarm bells ringing but usually there’s nothing to worry about – kennel cough is usually a relatively minor disease. Your dog will generally be in good health other than the fact that he will be coughing a lot.What you should be concerned about though is the risk of kennel cough escalating into pneumonia, which is dangerous. That is why, any occurrence of kennel cough, no matter how mild, must be referred to a vet as soon as possible.

After an initial diagnosis, your vet may decide to treat the infection with antibiotics. He may also decide, if the infection is not too serious, that no treatment is needed. In this case you will be asked to monitor the dog’s condition and report any problems.

It may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent your dog getting kennel cough is to avoid exposure to dogs that you don’t know. This includes while you are out walking your dog or at the dog park. And it applies double while your dog is still a puppy and his immune system is still not fully developed.

Despite its connection with kenneled dogs, most kenneling facilities are well aware of the dangers of the disease and will require proof of vaccination before taking a dog in. If they don’t, take your dog somewhere else.

Even if your dog is never likely to be kenneled, vaccination against kennel cough is an absolute must. Your vet will normally include this in the annual 5 in 1 shot, but for further peace of mind ask him about it, to make sure.

Kennel cough itself is not a serious danger to a healthy adult dog, but because it can be a factor in more serious diseases it always pays to have it treated right away.

Learn more about kennel cough, dog care, dog health and other interesting dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

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