BORDETELLA (KENNEL COUGH)
Bordetella, or canine cough, is an infection that affects dogs much like how colds affect humans. It is caused by airborne organisms which attack the upper respiratory tract in dogs, causing irritation and coughing.
Bordetella is transferred between dogs. Your dog can contract canine cough at any time it leave the home or is exposed to other dogs. The risk of exposure is increased at boarding kennels, dog shows, grooming facilities, obedience schools, and parks. Any place that is frequently visited by numerous dogs poses a risk for your pet to contract the virus.
Symptoms of canine cough include coughing, sneezing, gagging, and retching. it can lead to diminished upper respiratory immune response for your dog.
Jane Animal Hospital can effectively build your dog's immune system against the virus through annual vaccination against bordetella. We recommend the vaccine to any dog that comes into contact with other dogs. Boarding or grooming facilities require all dogs be vaccinated against bordetella prior to services to decrease the risk of transmitting or contracting the virus to and from other dogs. The vaccination takes a number of days to become fully effective. Plan to vaccinate at least 10 days prior to grooming or boarding.
