Austin Animal Clinic

Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough is a dry, coarse, hacking cough that appears three to seven days after a dog is initially infected. The cough sounds like the dog is trying to clear its throat and can be triggered by any extra activity or exercise.

The cough portion of Kennel Cough lasts anywhere from one to three weeks. Although it is annoying to both the dog and the dog’s owners, the illness is rarely life threatening. In addition, the dog should continue to eat and play with the only sign of any illness being the nagging cough.

Kennel Cough is caused by several infectious agents working together to damage and irritate the lining of a dog’s throat. These agents are transmitted the same way human colds are – carried through the air.

The name for the drug comes from prevalence following a stay in a kennel. Many dogs confined together in a small space, just like in humans, the chances are good that one of the dogs will be recovering and still contagious or have just been infected with the illness. It is important not to blame the kennel operator for Kennel Cough. Even in the most sterile, best ventilated kennel, a single dog with no symptoms can get everyone sick. An infected dog can spread the illness for days to weeks even after recovering from the diseases on his or her own.

Currently, the vaccines available effectively prevent the disease. It is important to note that the commercial Kennel Cough vaccine which contains the Bordatella agent alone may not be fully protective because of the other infectious agents involved in Kennel Cough.

When making the decision to kennel your dog or get the Bordatella vaccine, be sure to consult your Austin veterinarian clinic to be sure that you make the decision that is best for your pet.