Kennel Cough
08/03/04

When you took Fido to the kennel this summer to board while you were away on vacation they likely required a “kennel cough” vaccination.  Whether the kennel requires it or not the vaccination is a good idea.  Most of us feel guilty enough putting the family dog in a kennel while we’re having fun without them coming home sick.

“Kennel Cough” is a general term referring to an infectious cause of tracheitis (inflammation of the windpipe).  It is characterized by a dry, “honking” cough, rarely involves a fever and often occurs 3 to 5 days after boarding.  Frequent barking as well as immune suppression caused by stress are thought to be important predisposing factors. It is usually caused by bacteria called Bordetella bronchisepticum.  They are transmitted from dog to dog through the air so surface disinfection procedures, while important, will not prevent the spread of the disease.

Vaccination can be given two different ways, either intranasal (squirted in each nostril) or by injection under the skin.  The intranasal route results in protection in as little as 2 or 3 days and is likely the most effective.  Protective antibodies are produced by the body’s immune system on the nasal mucous membranes where the infection begins. 

The duration of immunity is variable but relatively short lived.  Most kennels require vaccination for kennel cough within one year of boarding but actual immunity may be considerably shorter.  We feel the optimum time for kennel cough vaccination is 2 weeks before the boarding date. We do not recommend it as part of the annual vaccination protocol unless you’re boarding your dog within 6 months.  If they’re not boarding in the near future there’s no reason to vaccinate for kennel cough.  Vaccinate your pet for only those diseases they are at risk for exposure to.  Your vet can explain what’s best for your pet.

Get your canine family member protected from kennel cough before you leave and scratch that off the worry list.