Definition

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacteria that is one of the major causes of the coughing syndrome. 

Symptoms

  • Coughing
  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Eye Discharge

Diagnoses

Diagnosed Pets:
2014: 90
2015: 125
2016: 80

Canine coughing originates from many sources. Many pets develop a harsh, deep cough after changes in the environment. This may be associated with vacations away from home, weather changes, boarding in pet kennels, or even a visit to the groomer.

When kenneled away from home, many dogs often do a lot of barking which can cause irritation in the throat making it more susceptible to bronchitis. The normal healthy body is very resistant to infection, but changes resulting in any from of stress (such as barking) can lower the body’s resistance to disease allowing bronchitis to develop. There are many causes of bronchitis including allergy, viral, bacterial, and irritation. Many viruses and bacteria can be normal inhabitants of the pet’s body causing no problem until stress lowers the resistance. Even though our boarding kennel does everything possible to keep your pet healthy, there are SOME factors, such as the stress of barking, we simply cannot control. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for one of the major causes of canine coughing, the so-called “kennel cough.”

Treatment

There is no proven cure for kennel cough. By visiting our clinic we can determine if your pet has kennel cough. Kennel cough is contagious to other dogs so it is best to have your pet diagnosed so that our doctors can work with you to prevent the spread of kennel cough to your other pets. Our doctors can also prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.

Prevention

VACCINATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Vaccination is no guarantee that bronchitis will not develop but at least it helps. Should your pet develop a cough after boarding or a visit to the groomer, please understand it probably is not the fault of the facility.  We do everything humanly possible to insure your pet’s environment while away from home is second only to your own home. 

Want to learn even more? Here are some veterinary approved resources: