Kennel Cough
Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs characterized by a harsh, honking cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and various viruses.
Definition
Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs characterized by a harsh, honking cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and various viruses.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Kennel cough is transmitted through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. It is most common in environments with many dogs — boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, shelters, and daycare. The hallmark symptom is a dry, honking cough often followed by gagging or retching, sometimes producing white foam. Most cases are mild and self-limiting (1-3 weeks), but puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs can develop pneumonia. Treatment includes cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics if bacterial involvement is suspected. Prevention includes the Bordetella vaccine (intranasal, oral, or injectable), which is required by most boarding facilities and daycares. The vaccine should be given at least 5-7 days before boarding. Dogs with suspected kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about kennel cough — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1My dog has a bad cough — is it kennel cough?
- 2Does my dog need the kennel cough vaccine?
- 3How long is kennel cough contagious?
- 4Can kennel cough be serious?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules appointments for coughing dogs, recommends Bordetella vaccination before boarding, and routes severe cases for urgent evaluation.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about kennel cough.
Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs characterized by a harsh, honking cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and various viruses. Kennel cough is transmitted through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. It is most common in environments with many dogs — boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, shelters, and daycare.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules appointments for coughing dogs, recommends Bordetella vaccination before boarding, and routes severe cases for urgent evaluation.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules appointments for coughing dogs, recommends Bordetella vaccination before boarding, and routes severe cases for urgent evaluation.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules appointments for coughing dogs, recommends Bordetella vaccination before boarding, and routes severe cases for urgent evaluation.
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