Q: What are the chances that my dog will contract kennel cough at a kennel if he has been vaccinated against it?
A: Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection seen in dogs of all ages. It is caused by canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus or Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
It is most severe in puppies less than six months old and in dogs with a compromised immune system. It is characterised by a dry cough, which gets worse with excitement or exercise. Most dogs diagnosed with kennel cough get better without treatment within two weeks, although there can be more complicated cases which will need medical attention.
In these cases, symptoms include fever, coloured nasal discharge, lethargy, lack of appetite and increased breathing effort. If your dog gets ill, it is always best to isolate him from other dogs for a period of two weeks after the last cough.
This is an airborne disease which also spreads by contact with objects that was in contact with the affected dog, for example food and water bowls and bedding.
Prevent nose-to-nose contact with other dogs, especially at dog shows and in kennels. For dogs at risk of getting infected there is a vaccine available which can be very beneficial.
The vaccine will not necessarily prevent the disease, but it will lessen the symptoms and duration of the disease. It may also decrease the duration of time during which a sick dog can shed the disease and infect other dogs.
The nasal vaccine for kennel cough can be given when your dog is going to kennels soon and provides immunity against Bordetella bronchiseptica within 72 hours of administering, and is proven to last 12 months after a single vaccination.
Dr Letitia Swartz, veterinarian
