Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. Sometimes kennel cough is called "bordetella." It is a contagious upper respiratory disease of dogs that can progress to pneumonia. It spreads quickly from dog to dog in close confinement. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog has something caught in his throat.

Most kennels require your dog to have a bordetella vaccine before they will board him. It is probably a good idea to vaccinate any dog who will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at dog shows or obedience classes. Typically, the vaccine is given quickly and painlessly through the nose or "intranasally." The vaccination is in liquid form and is inhaled by the dog, almost like a nasal spray.

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