A Few Facts about "Kennel Cough"

Since we covered feline infectious diseases previously, we will now focus on our canine friends 🐕

Let’s start with “kennel cough” since that’s a commonly known one! ☑️

✨Historically, canine Bordetellosis was commonly called “kennel cough” however, this may be a misnomer because the pathogen can be picked up in other locations where there are other dogs 🐶

✨ It is now referred to as CIRD (canine infectious respiratory disease complex) or infectious tracheobronchitis; one of the most common pathogens is a bacteria known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Other pathogens may include adenovirus type 2 or parainfluenza for example and sometimes a pet can have concurrent pathogens

✨It is highly contagious between dogs! Take precautions such as keeping your dog up-to-date on their bordetella vaccine if they will be coming into contact with other dogs 🐾

✨Pet parents - be proactive and make sure you check with your vet which route of administration your pet is receiving as the onset and duration of immunity varies

✨Vet staff – please make sure to follow separation and sanitation protocols if you have a suspected Bordetellosis case coming in 🏥

✨This condition can be mild and cause a self-limiting dry, hacking—type cough but in some cases, it can progress to a severe condition like pneumonia so make sure to seek vet care 👩🏻‍⚕️ if you suspect your pet is not recovering or their condition is worsening

References:

1) Veterinary Partner. Veterinarypartner.com

2) Tilley, L. P., & Smith, F. W. (2005). The 5-minute veterinary consult: Canine and feline. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

3) Yin, S. A. (2010). The small animal veterinary nerdbook. Davis, CA: CattleDog Pub.