Canine  Cough

One of the public relations problems for pet care facilities continues to be a much misunderstood disease in dogs called

“canine cough,” tracheobronchitis, or often improperly referred to as “kennel cough.”  As a dog owner you should be aware of

Infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious, upper-respiratory disease that is spread by any one of

three infectious agents (parainfluenza, adenovirus, or Bordetella) or any combination thereof—most often

passed on through the air, it can also be transmitted on hands or clothing. The incubation period of the disease

is roughly three to ten days and an infected pet may be contagious for three weeks after showing the first signs

of illness. The main symptom is a hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal

discharge, which can last from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does

not usually develop into anything more serious; however,  just as with a common cold, it can lower the dog’s

resistance to other diseases making it susceptible to secondary infections, and so the dog must be observed

closely to avoid complications. Canine cough can be an especially serious problem for puppies and geriatric dogs

whose immune systems may be weaker.

Just as in the case of the common cold, tracheobronchitis is not “cured” but must run its course; however, any

animal displaying signs of the illness should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Many times

antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be

prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself. Home

remedy treatments for canine cough without the consultation of a veterinarian are not recommended.

Does tracheobronchitis occur only in pet care facilities?

No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air,

they can affect any dog, even one that never leaves its own back yard. But tracheobronchitis is more likely to

occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at dog shows, kennels, dog daycares, veterinarian offices

and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near

other dogs, or playing in the park.

But aren’t the chances of catching it greater when a dog is in a boarding kennel or daycare?

Yes. Because, in any pet care facility, a dog encounters two conditions that do not usually exist at home;

proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar

environment, which can result in lower resistance to disease (these same factors explain why children are

more likely to catch the flu at school, rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog visits a pet care

facility, the greater are the chances that it will acquire immunity to the disease. Even during a widespread

breakout, only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are affected.

No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal – mainly due to the fact that the busiest seasons for pet

care facilities tend to be summertime or over holiday periods. It also tends to be epidemic. When

veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every pet care facility in town, as well as from

individual dog owners whose dogs did not visit a facility at all. When the outbreak is over, they might not see

another case for months.

Can my dog be vaccinated to protect him from tracheobronchitis?

Yes! Vaccines against parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other vaccines) are routinely

used as part of an adult dog’s yearly checkup. Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with

distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus in a series of immunizations. Specific, non-routine vaccines are also

available for Bordetella bronchiseptica (another cause of canine cough). Although some veterinary practices do

not use this vaccination routinely, it should be considered for pets that board, visit a daycare

frequently, or for those whose veterinarian recommends it. It is important to note that the vaccines that are used

to prevent this viral disease are made from only one of the over 100 different strains of the virus and therefore

are not as effective against some strains as others. Some strains are not included in any vaccine; therefore,

there is no prevention against them. Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a program of

preventative health care management depending on your pet’s needs. In most cases, veterinarians

recommend that you obtain vaccinations for canine cough five to seven days before taking your dog to a pet

care facility.

We Care... for Your Pets, about Your Pets, for Pet Owners, about Pet Services.

L E T ’ S  TA L K  A B O U T. . .

Can’t the boarding kennel or daycare prevent my dog from catching tracheobronchitis?

While the spread of canine cough can be minimized by proper cleaning, isolating obviously sick animals, and

properly ventilating the facility, remember that no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care is

guaranteed to be 100% effective against the illness. All that a good pet care facility can do is recommend

immunization against tracheobronchitis, refuse to admit an obviously sick dog, follow responsible cleaning and

sanitation practices, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring

veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. (Strangely, the dog with parainfluenza alone may not

appear ill, yet is contagious) You have a right to expect a pet care facility to provide the best possible care just

as that facility has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care.

Your ABKA member is devoted to your pet’s well being. Look for the

membership certificate proudly displayed.

ABKA would like to thank the American Animal Hospital Association and Dr. Joe Bartges and Dr. Diane Mawbry, from the College of Veterinary Medicine,

University of Tennessee through Morris Animal Foundation for information contributed to this brochure.