INFECTIOUS TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (KENNEL COUGH)

WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?

Kennel cough is the most contagious disease in the domestic canine population and spreads rapidly.

Although not generally life threatening, it can cause serious debilitation and upper respiratory pain for up to a month! Medication such as anti-inflammatory pain killers and antibiotics can be used to help treat the disease.

A common misconception is that this disease can only be contracted while boarding in kennels. It can be passed between dogs in contact in ANY situation.

HOW DO I PREVENT MY DOG CATCHING IT?

We actively encourage all of our canine patients to be vaccinated against this disease. The dogs on our Gold Plan Healthy Pet Club get this vaccination free of charge.

Good kennels will insist that your dog is vaccinated against this disease before agreeing to take them for boarding. The vaccination is most effective 2 weeks after administration. Resistance to infection then slowly reduces during the year.

WHAT CAUSES KENNEL COUGH?

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria including:

Canine parainfluenzavirus
Canine adenovirus
Bordetella bronchiseptica