What is it?
“Kennel cough” is an infectious bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” It is analogous to a chest cold for humans and is only a serious condition in special circumstances such as very young puppies, especially those with a recent shipping history. They are especially prone to severe cases of infectious tracheobronchitis frequently progressing to pneumonia.Also dogs where the distemper virus is involved (usually shelter or pet store puppies) there is tremendous potential for serious consequences.
The kennel cough is caused by a mix of a bacteria called " Bordatella Brochiseptica" and other viruses/bacterias that are covered in the standard mandatory DHPPI cocktail ("the kennel cough complex")
Among dogs Kennel Cough is fairly contagious depending on stress level, vaccination status, and exposure to minor viruses. Dogs shed Bordetella organisms for up to 3 months after infection.
How do you recognize it?
A cough can be dry or “productive,” meaning it is followed by a gag, swallowing motion, production of foamy mucus (not to be confused with vomiting). Here are some videos that might help (see left).
How to avoid it?
There are basically two options for Kennel cough vaccination: injectable and intranasal. It is important to realize that not all members of the Kennel Cough complex have a vaccine. Also, because Kennel Cough is a localized infection (meaning it is local to the respiratory tract), it is an infection that does not lend itself to prevention by vaccination. Vaccination must be regularly boosted and often vaccination simply muffles the severity of infection without completely preventing it.
INJECTABLE VACCINE ( most communly administered are Pneumodog/ Eurican Pneumo from Merial )
Injectable vaccination is a good choice for aggressive dogs, who may bite if their muzzle is approached. For puppies, injectable vaccination provides good systemic immunity as long as two doses are given (approximately one month apart) after age 4 months. Boosters are given annually.
Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper, all members of the Kennel Cough complex, are all covered by the standard DHLPP vaccine, the basic vaccine for dogs. Adenovirus Type 2 serum also immunizes against Adenovirus Type 1, the agent of infectious canine hepatitis.
NASAL VACCINE (most communly administered is KC Novibac from Intervet)
Intranasal vaccination may be given as early as 3 weeks of age and immunity generally lasts 10-12 months. (Usually this vaccine is also boosted annually.) The advantage here is that the local immunity is stimulated, right at the site where the natural infection would be trying to take hold.
It takes 3-4 days to generate a solid immune response after intranasal vaccination so it is best if vaccination is given at least 3-4 days prior to the exposure. Some dogs will have some sneezing or nasal discharge in the week following intranasal vaccination. As a general rule, nasal vaccination provides faster immunity than injectable vaccination.
The vaccine against KENNEL COUGH (Bordetella and Parainfluenza type 2) is mandatory for boarding & daycare at Tiny Dog Hotel.
The vaccines mentioned below are the most frequently used in Spain, both with a very different application and covering time to offer protection.Please bare in mind the boarding date of your dog to choose the right option for you. Without one of these vaccines correctly administrated and proof of it in the sanitary booklet we are not able to board your dog for it´s own safety and protection.
1. KC Novibac: minimum 3 days before boarding. This vaccine is administrated "internasal" offering protection within 3 to 4 days (minimum 72 hours, preferably longer ) One yearly booster.
2. Pneumodog Merial or Eurican Pneumo Merial : minimum 1 month of preparation before boarding. If for the first time administrated it needs 2 injections within a time frame of 2 to 3 weeks + 7 days extra to give a total protection (puppy´s or adults the same). One yearly booster.
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