Should I be concerned about Kennel Cough while boarding?
Infectious tracheobronchitis is also known as kennel cough. This is a disease of the upper respiratory tract. Kennel cough is highly contagious and is spread rapidly from one dog to another. Viruses and bacteria are usually involved. There is a vaccination for kennel cough, it is known as Bordetella. The Bordetella vaccine is administered either orally or injected and needs to be boostered annually.
Dogs affected with kennel cough most commonly have a harsh, dry cough that is often followed by gagging and coughing up foamy mucus. The disease does spread rapidly from one dog to another so in cases where dogs are boarded at a kennel facility one coughing dog can quickly infect multiple pets. The clinical signs usually show up about 3-10 days after exposure.
Anytime you board your dog or take them to public areas where other dogs are present, there is a risk of your dog getting kennel cough. The vaccination, much like your flu shot, isn’t 100% effective. However, dogs who have been vaccinated for kennel cough usually develop a lighter case and symptoms last a shorter period of time. At Danforth Animal Hospital we require every dog that comes in to the clinic to be vaccinated annually for this disease. Most boarding, daycare and grooming facilities will require this vaccination. The vaccination is quick and easy, and for most cases is very effective.
If your pet has recently been to grooming, boarding, or dog daycare and develops a cough please schedule an appointment for an exam. If your dog is diagnosed with kennel cough there are medications to help decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of the cough.