Dog - Infectious Bronchitis - Kennel Cough Syndrome - Bordetellosis

Infectious bronchitis, popularly known as kennel cough can be caused by various organisms, both viruses and bacteria. The virus components are today largely protected against with routine primary and booster vaccinations. In the UK a bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the main cause of so-called kennel cough syndrome. A persistent cough can often last for several weeks.

What is kennel cough syndrome?

Infection is airborne due to the dog coughing. Obviously activities such as dog shows, training classes, puppy parties etc can spread the disease due to the close proximity of the dogs.

Why is it now called infectious bronchitis?

In many urban and suburban areas the condition is very prevalent in dogs that have never been shown, been in kennels or attended any sort of training classes. Since the infection is spread from dog to dog, through the air, when it is common in an area dogs merely meeting in the street or the park can be sufficient to transmit the disease.

Bordetella bronchiseptica causes inflammation of the tubes in the lungs, i.e. the bronchii, therefore infectious bronchitis is a more descriptive term.

Can it be prevented?

Yes. Infectious bronchitis, Bordetellosis, kennel cough, irrespective of what it is called, can be prevented by simple vaccination. This involves the instillation of a few drops into the dog’s nostrils. The vaccine produces immunity within 5 days and can be given on its own or at the same time as other vaccinations against distemper, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. Canine parainfluenza virus, a virus involved in kennel cough syndrome, is incorporated in the usual canine booster vaccines but is also available as an intranasal vaccine combined with Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Are boosters necessary?

Yes. Vaccination provides very good immunity, protecting the respiratory tract from invasion by the Bordetella organism. However, a workable immunity only lasts approximately six months, therefore if your dog is going to be subjected to greater risk of infection, e.g. going to a show, being boarded etc. we suggest a booster at least five days beforehand.