Kennel cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is the most common respiratory disease of dogs.  It is highly contagious at you can bet that at some time in your dog's life your pet will be exposed to it.  Kennel cough is rarely a life threatening disease but it is preventable so why not help your pet.

Kennel cough is caused by an airborne organism that infects the upper respiratory tract.   There are a number of infectious agents that can cause the problem and can sometimes be difficult to determine which one it is.  Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza are the most common disease causing organisms. 

Although the name infers that your dog can only catch kennel cough when staying at a kennel this is not often the case.  It can occur in any place where a number of dogs congregate such as shelters, pet stores, grooming salons, off leash parks or kennels.  The infective organisms are spread through direct contact with ill dogs, inhalation of aerosolized respiratory secretions or indirectly by people or inanimate objects. 

How can you tell if your pet has kennel cough?  Well the first thing you would notice is a real harsh, barking kind of cough.  Sometimes your pet will become depressed, lethargic, have a loss of appetite or have discharge from the eyes or nose.  If you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, keep it separated from any other dogs and contact your veterinarian.  Simple cases of kennel cough are usually untreated as the disease is usually self limiting but sometimes a severe case can cause pneumonia so a quick trip to the veterinary clinic is a good idea.

Prevention is the key to any disease.  There are vaccines available to help prevent kennel cough.  There are sub cutaneous injections or intranasla vaccines.  Ask your veterinarian about the difference and what would best suit your best friend.  Remember though like all vaccines they are not 100% guaranteed.