Kennel Cough Prevention in Dogs

Preventing kennel cough in dogs is crucial to keep your furry friends healthy and happy.

Vaccinations are a key part of kennel cough prevention.

Regularly washing your dog's food and water bowls can help prevent the spread of kennel cough.

Keeping your dog away from other dogs that may be infected is also important.

Kennel cough is a common canine illness that has multiple causes, including a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is why it's often referred to as Bordetella.

Dogs can get kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract, often due to weakened protection from mucus.

Exposure to crowded or poorly ventilated conditions, such as kennels and shelters, can increase the risk of kennel cough infection.

Cold temperatures can also play a role in making dogs more susceptible to kennel cough.

Travel-induced stress can further weaken a dog's defenses, making them more prone to infection.

Dogs exposed to dust or cigarette smoke are also at a higher risk of developing kennel cough.

Here are some common factors that can contribute to kennel cough infection:

Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and canine influenza virus.

Some of these pathogens can be prevented with standard vaccines, such as canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper virus. Others require additional vaccines, like the canine influenza virus (subtypes H3N2 and H3N8).

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common cause of kennel cough and can be spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing. Mycoplasma species and Streptococcus equis subspecies zooepidemicus can also contribute to the development of kennel cough.

Dogs are typically exposed to kennel cough in crowded areas, including animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

Recommended read: Is Kennel Cough the Same as Bordetella

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected underneath the skin, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, and one that can be given by mouth. These vaccines may help, but they don't guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis.

Worth a look: One Dog Has Kennel Cough the Other Doesn't

Dogs can be contagious and still look perfectly healthy, so it's essential to keep your dog away from toys and food and water bowls used by dogs outside your household.

To minimize the risk of your pet getting kennel cough, vaccination against one of the common causes (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is generally recommended. This preventative measure may help keep your pet protected.

The bordetella vaccine may not prevent your dog from catching kennel cough, as some cases are caused by other germs like canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasma.

A different take: Canine Influenza vs Kennel Cough

When it comes to protecting your dog against CIRDC, there are a few things you can do. Keeping your dog's vaccines current is the best way to protect them.

Standard (or "core") canine vaccines are highly effective against some CIRDC-associated viruses and are recommended for all dogs.

Dogs can be contagious and still look perfectly healthy, so it's essential to take precautions. Keep your dog away from toys and food and water bowls used by dogs outside your household.

To stay informed, ask your veterinarian or check news or internet resources about places or geographic regions where CIRDC, or more specific respiratory infections like canine influenza, have been reported.

Here are some key things to remember:

By following these tips, you can help keep your dog safe from CIRDC and other respiratory infections.

Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs is a top priority for many pet owners.

Regular vaccinations are key to protecting your dog against kennel cough. There are three forms of vaccine: injected, nasal mist, and oral, which can be given once a year or every six months for high-risk dogs.

Vaccines don't guarantee protection, but they can help reduce the risk of kennel cough. It's essential to keep your dog's vaccines current to prevent severe disease and the spread of infection.

The intranasal and oral kennel cough vaccinations typically provide protection sooner than the injected product, making them a good choice for many dog owners.

To stay informed about CIRDC, ask your veterinarian about places or geographic regions where outbreaks have been reported. Delay or avoid travel with your dog to areas where outbreaks are occurring.

Dogs can be contagious and still look perfectly healthy, so it's crucial to keep them away from toys and food and water bowls used by dogs outside your household.

Here's a quick rundown of the recommended vaccines for CIRDC protection:

By following these prevention tips and staying informed, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread quickly in areas where dogs congregate.

Dogs can contract kennel cough through airborne droplets, direct contact with other dogs, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Places like boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, dog parks, dog training groups, and dog shows are hotspots for kennel cough transmission.

Dogs can also get kennel cough from contaminated water or food bowls.

It's not just direct contact that spreads kennel cough - even contaminated surfaces can harbor the bacteria.

CIRDC, another common canine illness, can also spread rapidly in multiple-dog settings.

Dogs can catch CIRDC through close or direct contact with infected dogs, breathing in cough or sneeze droplets, or exposure to contaminated items like toys or water bowls.

The risk of infection is especially high when dogs are in close contact with other infected dogs for long periods of time.

In fact, dogs can even catch CIRDC from contaminated people's hands.

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, the first step is to visit a veterinarian. They'll recommend next steps to help your dog get the attention he or she needs, without infecting other patients.

In mild cases, your veterinarian will make a "presumptive" diagnosis by examining your dog for signs of illness, ruling out other causes of cough, and asking questions about exposure to other dogs or multiple-dog settings.

If your dog seems to be getting worse despite supportive treatment, or if multiple dogs are affected, your veterinarian will collect swab samples from the throat, nose, and/or edges of the eyes and submit those samples for lab testing to confirm infection and identify the specific bacteria/viruses involved.

Dogs with pneumonia, or those that don't respond to supportive care, may require blood tests or other diagnostic testing.

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected underneath the skin, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, and one that can be given by mouth.

Vaccination against kennel cough is generally recommended, especially when looking for doggy play date partners or facilities that require vaccination.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but vaccination may help keep your pet protected.

The intranasal and oral kennel cough vaccinations are typically given to dogs once a year, but sometimes are recommended every 6 months for dogs at high risk for kennel cough.

Intriguing read: Kennel Cough Even with Vaccination

Dogs that have a brachycephalic face with a smushed-looking nose, such as English Bulldogs and Pugs, are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine due to their compromised airways.

The kennel cough vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing the disease, but it can reduce the severity of symptoms and provide a stronger immune response.

The oral liquid form of the vaccine is a popular option, as it is very safe with little side effects and no injection with a needle required.

If your dog's cough lasts more than a week or worsens, it's time to see the vet. This is a sign that something more serious might be going on.

Your dog's cough can be a sign of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. If they seem extra tired or have a fever, it's a good idea to schedule a vet visit.

A normal body temperature for a dog is between 100 to 102.5 degrees F. If their temperature is higher than this, it could be a sign of illness.

If your dog won't eat, it's a sign that they might be feeling unwell. This is a reason to make an appointment with their vet.

Other health problems can also be a reason to see the vet. This is especially true if your dog is experiencing a persistent cough.

Here are some questions your vet may ask you to help diagnose the issue:

These questions will help your vet get a better understanding of your dog's symptoms and create a plan to get them feeling better.

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