What Is Kennel Cough

An imprecise term which has been used for a number of diseases in dogs which are characterized by bronchitis and

caused by a variety of infectious agents. Kennel Cough in dogs will stimulate a coarse, dry, hacking cough about 3

to 7 days after the dog is initially infected. It sounds as if the dog needs to "clear it's throat" and the cough

will be triggered by any extra activity or exercise. Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough will cough every few

minutes, all day long. Their general state of health and alertness will be unaffected; they usually have no rise in

temperature, and do not lose their appetite.

KENNEL COUGH:
It is not an ordinary cough
Contagious
Life threatening
Caused by several infectious agents working together to damage and irritate the lining of the dog's trachea and

upper bronchi.

COMMON CAUSES OF KENNEL COUGH

Bordetella bronchiseptica
Viruses called Parainfluenza-Virus Adenovirus
Organism called Mycoplasma.

HOW DID IT TRANSMIT TO MY DOG?

AIRBORNE (means transmitted through air)
The organisms can be present in the expired air of an infected dog, much the same way that human "colds" are

transmitted. The airborne organisms will be carried in the air in microscopically tiny water vapor or dust

particles. The airborne organisms, if inhaled by a susceptible dog, can attach to the lining of the trachea and

upper airway passages, find a warm, moist surface on which to reside and replicate, and eventually damage the cells

they infect.