misunderstood disease in dogs called "Canine Cough" tracheobronchitis, or often
referred to as "Kennel cough" as a dog owner you should be aware of some facts
about this disease.
What is "Canine Cough?"
Infectious tracheobronchitis is a high contagious, upper respiratory disease which is spread by an
airborne virus. The Incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 7 days. The main symptom is a
gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere
from a few days to several weeks . Although this coughing is very annoying it does not usually
develop into anything serious. However just as with common cold . It can lower the dogs resistance to
other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections, and so he must be observed closely to
avoid complications.
Does Tracheobronchitis occur only in Kennels?
No, since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distance through the
air, they can affect any dog... Even one which never leaves its own backyard. But Tracheobronchitis
is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel,
veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose
or while being walked near other dogs , or playing in the park.
But aren't the chances of catching it greater when a dog is in a kennel?
Yes... Because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home...
Proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar
environment , which can result in lowered resistance to disease ( these same factors explain why
children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog
boards at a kennel, the greater are the chances that he will acquire an immunity to the disease. Even
during a widespread outbreak, only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are affected.
Are these viruses a constant problem?
No. Tracheobronchitis is like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians
begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, as well as from individual dog
owners whose dogs where not kenneled at all. When the outbreak is over they might not see another
case for months.
Can my dog be vaccinated to protect him against Tracheobronchitis?
Yes! Vaccines against para influenza and adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other Vaccines) are
routinely used as part of an adult dog's yearly check up. Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in
combination with distemper, Hepatitis and parvovirus in a s series of immunizations. It is important to
note that the Vaccines that are used to prevent this viral disease are made from one strain of over
100 different strains of the virus and therefore are not as effective against some strains as others.
Some strains are not included in any vaccine, therefore, there is no prevention against them.
Intra-nasal vaccines are also available for Bordetella bronchiseptica ) another cause of canine cough).
Although some veterinary practices do not use this vaccination routinely, it should be considered for
pets that board or for those whose veterinarian recommends it. Your veterinarian is in the best position
to recommend a program of preventive health care management depending on your pets needs.
Can't the kennel prevent my dog from catching Tracheobronchitis?
Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation or personalized care can prevent a dog from
"catching" an airborne virus. All that a good boarding kennel can do is to recommend immunization
against tracheobronchitis, refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen and watch for any signs of
sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as a quickly as
possible. (Strangely, the dog with parainfluenza alone may not appear ill yet is contagious). You have
a right to expect a kennel to provide the best possible care just as a kennel has a right to expect you
to accept financial responsibility for such care. Your American Boarding Kennels Association member
is devoted to your pet's well being.