09/19/2024
Let's talk about kennel cough!😷🐶
This disease is called several things in addition to kennel cough such as infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory complex. It is a HIGHLY contagious disease that is characterized by a hacking cough that often ends with a gag at the end and may produce a white frothy flem at the end of the gag. It is self-limiting, meaning it will resolve by the end of 10 to 14 days after symptoms start, no matter what treatment is given.
Most dogs who are experiencing kennel cough are still energetic and eating. However, some of them do get a fever and stop eating and may be lethargic. There are multiple bacterial and viral pathogens that play a role in the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, but the most common one is a bacteria called Bordetella Bronchiseptica.
The things you need to know are:
1) there are 3 types of vaccine available for this disease, called Bordetella Bronchiseptica.....one is oral and will protect your dog for about 6 months, one is intra-nasal and may protect your dog for a year, and one is injectable and will protect your dog for a year.
2) each of these vaccines do not start protecting your pet immediately after administration. The oral form takes at least 72 hours to be effective, the injectable takes at least 7 days to grant immunity, and the intra-nasal is variable.
3) If your dog frequents dog parks, doggy day care, kennels or groomers they are very likely to be exposed to this disease.
4) If your dog is already in a facility for grooming or daycare or being kenneled and they are not vaccinated, having the facility vaccinate will not grant them immunity for either 3 days or a week, depending on which vaccine is given. Thus, if said facility already has the disease running rampant through the building, your pet will be exposed and will more than likely get sick. The vaccine given will not protect them and is a waste of money.
5) The best way to keep your dogs from getting kennel cough is to be sure they are immunized prior to going to any of the high risk areas such as doggy daycare, dog parks, etc. Having them vaccinated once they get there is not going to be protective.
6) It is true that even the best vaccines are not always efficacious, and for kennel cough in particular, the immunity granted is variable from dog to dog as well as from different strains of the disease, similar to human flu vaccines.
Our best advice is to have your local veterinarian, who manages your dog's overall health, keep your pet protected by regular vaccinations.
Most dogs recover well from their bout with kennel cough. However, it is a good idea to have them examined by their vet, as an innocent case of kennel cough can turn into pneumonia and need more aggressive treatment. In addition, we can treat the cough and help them be more comfortable while they await recovery. 🤒 ❤️
Animal Health at Home is a full-service veterinary care practice for dogs and cats. Proprietor Mary Veterinarian
