Kennel Cough

Many people believe that since the disease is termed "Kennel Cough" it can only be acquired in a kennel situation. This is completely untrue! Any dog can acquire Infectious Tracheobronchitis or "Kennel Cough". This includes dogs in kennels, visiting the vet, playing at the dog park with other dogs, saying "hi" to another dog on a walk, or barking with their buddy on the other side of the fence. Typically unvaccinated dogs as well as younger and older dogs are more at risk for acquiring this disease. 

Infectious Tracheobronchitis can be caused by several different organisms--both bacterial and viral. These infectious particles are spread through respiratory secretions such as coughing, barking, bowl sharing, etc. Also, infectious dogs can spread the disease without any clinical signs for several weeks after they have stopped coughing.  Most dogs show signs of a severe, often "honking" cough. Some dogs may vomit after coughing due to the abdominal push they use to cough. This disease is often self limiting, but dogs can cough for several weeks. Antibiotics can help shorten the course of disease and the length of time dogs are infectious for.