Infectious Bronchitis – otherwise known as ‘Kennel Cough’, is a very contagious disease of the respiratory system, which affects dogs of all ages. The disease is caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria, which pass easily from dog to dog as a droplet infection, wherever dogs congregate – in boarding kennels, dog shows, training classes, or simply out on walks.
Affected dogs typically develop a very harsh, dry, hacking cough, which can often last several weeks, causing sleepless nights and worry for all concerned. The cough can be so severe, that it often sounds as if the dog is choking! At the same time, the dog may run a temperature, go off his or her food, and become quite lethargic – similar symptoms to human ‘flu’. In immuno-compromised animals, kennel cough can sometimes be fatal.

But the good news is that Kennel Cough can be prevented. So if your canine friend is attending training or agility classes, or going to shows, then it is advisable to protect them against this disease. Conscientious boarding kennels will insist that your dog is vaccinated against Kennel Cough, and will insist on seeing the relevant paperwork before taking your pet.

The vaccine differs from your dog’s usual annual vaccination, in that it is squirted up the nostril, rather than being injected under the skin on the neck. In general we recommend that the vaccine is given at least 1 - 2 weeks in advance of attending kennels or classes.

If your dog is unfortunate in becoming infected with Kennel Cough, the first thing that you are likely to notice is a dry, wretching cough. Depending on how severe the infection is, your dog may also exhibit signs including :- lethargy, reluctance to eat, fever, runny eyes and/or nose and depression. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for Kennel Cough. The most important thing that you can do for your dog once infected, is to rest him or her. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections which could lay your dog open to pneumonia etc. Coupage (patting the chest with cupped hands) and steam inhalation can both help the cough - the latter can be achieved by running a hot bath with your bathroom door shut, and sitting in the steamy room with your dog for 10 - 20 minutes. Sadly, Kennel Cough frequently lasts for 4 weeks, and your pet will be contagious to other dogs for up to 3 months! All of this is why we consider 'prevention being better than cure'!

Don’t take any chances with Kennel Cough – contact us now to ensure that your dog is protected by


this may clear up some of the questions we have

My vet definitely told me that once the coughing has stopped the dog is no longer contagious because the germs are passed through the coughing. However, this statement above seems to negate that info.

Was this taken from a site marketing the KC vaccine? If so, then I suppose it would be in their best interests to scare us!!!!! LOL

So effectively, what they are saying is that we should keep our dogs away from other dogs for 3 months!!! That's the first time I have heard that.

Also, the KC vaccine only works for certain strains. A bit like the flu vaccine. Bearing in mind that these viruses mutate constantly the KC vac would only be protection against the strain that it was developed for.

Does anybody routinely get their dogs protected against KC? If so, do you think it is any good? I never get my dogs protected against it. I feel we very much over-vaccinate anyway in this country. Just my opinion of course!!!

Spettadog

Anyone who enters a dog at a confirmation show signs a formal Declaration which is legally binding.

This Declaration includes the statement...

I/We undertake...... not to bring to the show any dog which has contracted or been knowingly exposed to any infectious or contagious disease during 21 days prior to the day of the show.

Regardless of how long the dog has coughed for i would say that it shouldn't be socialising with other dogs from 21 days from the last cough. I know that with my own dogs i had KC in one, thought it was finished and 3 days later another of the dogs started with it.

KC is extremely dangerous in young puppies, elderly dogs and pregnant bitches. Dogs should not be over exercised when they have KC or just afterwards as it affects lung capacity.

I completely agree with that. The selfish person who didnt conform to those regulations infected 4 dogs that I know about. I also have 2 dogs that are 11 and 10 years old and they could have contracted it. Obviously with Stella it was a mild dose but my friends dogs have been quite badly affected - enough to have gone to the vet.

Its that time of year though and you will always get people who think they know better!!!!

Kind regards
Spettadog

There are several causes of coughing associated with tracheobronchitis, all
of which get lumped under the general name "kennel cough" at times. So it
is possible for a dog to get kennel cough from two or three different
causes in one lifetime. In addition to that, the most common cause of
tracheobronchitis in dogs is probably Bordetella bronchiseptica infection,
a bacterial infection. Immunity to this infection is not long lasting even
after having the illness. Immunity probably lasts 6 to 12 months in most
dogs and when it wears out they can get the infection again.

copied and pasted from www.vetinfo4dogs.com

This is also what one of the vets I saw told me.
Kennel cough is the loose term for any bronchitis type illness. It estimated that 80 to 90% of the cases of kennel cough are due to Bordetella bronchiseptica. The other 10 to 20% of cases are caused by a variety of other infectious agents, most of them viral.

Dogs who have the kennel cough jab can still get kennel cough- just a different type to the one they are jabbed for. I have had several dogs that have done just that

Yes Fimberley. We were offered the flu jab at work (I work for the NHS!) but I refused it. I hate needles and the jab only protects against the strain it is made for. I personally think that they are always one year behind because the virus mutates so quickly.

Having said that, I have a rotten cold at the moment. LOL

Just my luck not to have taken the flu jab!!! But somebody else at work took it and she has the cold too.

Hope your dog walking business is coping with the strain. I'd love to go back to dog walking again but here in Edinburgh there are so many dog walkers (not all of them good!) that it would be out of the question.

I live just outside Edinburgh though and think that the surrounding areas could do with dog walkers. Might see what next year brings because I did love being out in the fields all day with the dogs. Wait a minute! I am out in the fields all day with my dogs!!!! duh!!!

Annie

I had the flu jab and have a cold too lol :P

I have alot of clients who are out in the country-ironically its those dogs that are suffering more with the cough :P
Think the city dogs are passing it on to them lol

That particular rule is about the contagion aspect for the protection of other dogs - protection for dogs which appear unwell/uncomfortable/struggling are covered under a different section of the rules :


"18. Withdrawal of dogs from Competition
A dog shall be withdrawn from competition and removed from the Test if it is
a. A bitch which is in season.
b. Suffering from any infectious/contagious disease.
c. Interfering with the safety or chance of winning of an opponent.
d. Of such temperament or is so much out of hand as to be a danger to the safety of any other person or animal.
e. Likely to cause suffering to the dog if it continues competing."


HTH

you did the right thing, the lady does not care and kennel cough un treated can cause phenuminia,