Kennel Cough isn't just caught in kennels

If your dog spends a lot of time around other dogs, you’ve probably heard of canine cough, often still called kennel cough.

It’s a contagious respiratory illness that commonly causes a harsh, hacking cough. It can sometimes sound as though a dog has something caught in its throat.

Despite the name, dogs don’t have to stay in kennels to be exposed. Respiratory infections can spread wherever susceptible dogs are in close contact, including boarding kennels, doggy day care and other places where dogs mix.

What causes canine cough?

Canine cough isn’t caused by one single infection.

Vets often use the term Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, because a number of different viruses and bacteria can be involved.

These can include the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus, among other respiratory pathogens. Vaccination can provide protection against particular organisms associated with canine cough and may reduce the effects of infection.

Why consider vaccination?

The answer depends on your dog’s individual risk.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s current vaccination guidelines distinguish between core vaccines, those recommended broadly for dogs, and vaccines that are given according to factors such as lifestyle and likely exposure.

Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the organisms associated with canine cough, falls into that risk-based category.

So instead of simply asking, “Does my dog go into kennels?”, it can be more useful to think about how often your dog mixes closely with other dogs.

A dog attending day care several times a week, for example, has a different lifestyle from a dog that rarely comes into close contact with other dogs.

Your vet can take those factors into account when advising you on an appropriate vaccination plan.

What are the signs?

A harsh or hacking cough is probably the sign owners notice most.

Dogs may also retch after coughing, sneeze or develop discharge from the nose or eyes.

Some dogs might be bright and well, while others may appear quieter than usual or lose their appetite.

Most importantly, coughing isn’t always caused by canine cough. There are several reasons why a dog might develop a cough, which is why a new, persistent or worsening cough should be discussed with your vet.

If your dog is having difficulty breathing, appears seriously unwell or you are worried about their condition, seek veterinary advice sooner rather than later.

Going into kennels or day care?

If you’re planning to use a boarding kennel, doggy day care or similar facility, check its vaccination requirements in advance.

Individual businesses may have their own policies, and vaccination timing can also vary depending on the vaccine and the dog's previous vaccination history.

Checking early can help avoid problems just before a planned stay.

What should you do if your dog starts coughing?

If your dog develops a cough, contact your veterinary practice for advice.

It is also a good idea to tell the practice that your dog is coughing before arriving, because infectious respiratory disease can spread between dogs, the veterinary team may want to arrange your visit in a way that limits contact with other patients.

Should my dog be vaccinated against canine cough?

There isn’t one answer that applies to every dog but your vet will consider factors such as your dog’s age, general health, vaccination history and how much contact they have with other dogs.

If you’re unsure whether canine cough vaccination is appropriate for your dog, East Limerick Vets can discuss their individual risk with you and advise on a suitable vaccination plan.