Also known as Kennel Cough or Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Canine Bordetellosis is a common and highly contagious respiratory disease caused by various viruses and/or bacteria that work alone or in combination to infect our canine companions. The most common factor of Canine Bordetellosis is the presence of bacterium known as bordetella bronchispectica, though conditions such as parainfluenza, canine adenovirus, and the canine herpes virus may also contribute. 

Roughly one week after exposure, the symptoms of Kennel Cough usually begin to appear and, if caught soon enough, Canine Bordetellosis can often be treated successfully. These symptoms are very noticeable; mainly a dry, hacking cough where the dog will hang his head, often making choking and retching sound. Sometimes, coughing can be so intense that it will cause nausea and vomiting.

Infected dogs may have a fever, inflamed mucous membranes in the nose, or conjunctivitis (pink eye), and may cough up white, foamy sputum. A clear nasal discharge is also common in this condition, but a thick yellow or green discharge indicates that the bordetellosis is progressing into pneumonia. Even with medication, symptoms can continue for days or even weeks. 

The name Kennel Cough is misleading: Dogs can contract bordetellosis even when playing alone in their back yards! Bordetellosis is spread through the air in tiny droplets that are coughed up by an infected dog. Your dog only needs to be downwind of an infected animal to become ill! Canines can even carry the bacteria in their respiratory tracts for years without an outbreak until their immune system becomes compromised.

Fortunately, we have preventative options that help protect the dogs from many of the viruses that cause bordetellosis. Be sure to protect dogs at risk, prevent unnecessary contact with other animals, and contact us if you notice any symptoms!