What is Kennel Cough?
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs. It often spreads in places where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding kennels, rescue centres, dog shows, and training classes.
Watch the video below to see examples of dogs with kennel cough and learn to recognise the signs early.
Who is at Risk of Kennel Cough?
All dogs that come into close contact with other dogs are at risk of contracting kennel cough. While the illness often causes mild symptoms, puppies, elderly dogs, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe signs, including potentially fatal bronchopneumonia. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can affect any dog exposed to infected animals. It’s important to note that other species, such as cats, can also become infected.
For more detailed information, please click HERE for a helpful guide.
How is Kennel Cough Spread?
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct nose-to-nose contact between dogs. The disease can transmit rapidly and may persist in infected dogs for up to six weeks.
What Causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. The main pathogens include:
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Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb):
The most common cause of kennel cough, this bacterium is related to Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough in humans). It can infect a variety of animals, including cats, pigs, rabbits, and horses, making interspecies transmission possible, especially between dogs and cats. Bb can be shed for up to four months after infection. -
Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPi):
Often found alongside Bordetella bronchiseptica, CPi is present in oral and nasal secretions for up to two weeks. CPi alone may cause a mild cough and runny nose, but symptoms worsen when combined with Bb. -
Canine Adenovirus Types 1 and 2 (CAV-1 and CAV-2):
CAV-1 causes infectious canine hepatitis, while CAV-2 primarily leads to respiratory illness. -
Canine Herpesvirus (CHV):
Similar to cold sores in humans and cat flu in felines, CHV only infects dogs. Puppies can be infected before birth or shortly after, and stress can reactivate the virus in adult carriers. In puppies under two weeks old, it causes ‘fading puppy syndrome’. Older puppies and adults usually experience mild respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge and coughing. Genital lesions may also occur.
Signs and Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Typical symptoms include a harsh, dry cough that may cause retching, tiredness, loss of appetite, and a mild fever. In rare cases, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kennel Cough
Veterinarians may take swabs from the nose or throat and samples from the respiratory tract to identify the causative agents. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with cough suppressants and may include antibiotics to manage secondary bacterial infections, though these may not eliminate the infection entirely.
Prevention and Control of Kennel Cough
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect dogs from kennel cough, especially those in close contact with other dogs. A convenient intranasal vaccine mimics the natural infection route and offers protection for 12 months. It can be administered to dogs of all sizes and ages, including puppies as young as three weeks and pregnant bitches, providing protection within 72 hours.
Additional preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene and ventilation, isolating infected dogs, avoiding contact between dogs and cats, and reducing exposure to environments where infection risk is high.