Ensuring Health

Infectious trachebronchitis, or kennel cough

This is a highly contagious viral tracheal disease complex that affects unvaccinated dogs of all ages. It is caused by one or several microorganisms that infect a dog’s respiratory system, among them the canine parainfluenza virus, at the same time. The para influenza virus causes small lung lesions and produces a persistent hacking cough which may cause the dog to gag or sometimes vomit. The dog sounds as though he has caught something in his throat. 

Symptoms last from one to three weeks, and in some cases, secondary infections can cause pneumonia. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics and cough suppressants, plus little or no exercise for a week or so. 

This disease complex is also called “ kennel cough”, because unvaccinated dogs that congregate together or are housed in kennels, shelter, and pet stores are frequently infected. In addition to parainfluenza immunization, your veterinarian may also want to vaccinate your dog against Bordetella Bronchisptica and Canine Adenovirus – 2, which are also responsible for the ‘kennel cough’ syndrome.