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Kennel Cough ‘Kennel cough’ is a popular name for a condition officially called Infectious Bronchitis. This is a condition where the upper respiratory tract (the throat, windpipe and main bronchi), is inflamed and infected. The most common causes for this infection are the Para-Influenza virus and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is a highly contagious infection and is spread through coughing and direct contact. Dogs which are affected can be infectious to other dogs for several weeks and should not come into contact with them if possible. The disease is easily spread from dog to dog in places where many dogs come together, such as at dog shows and competitions, or in kennels. It leads to a dry hacking cough, which can last for several weeks. In rare cases it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Treatment is normally in the form of a course of antibiotic tablets. However, most dogs will continue to cough for some time. Prevention is better however: this can be established by vaccinating dogs with an intra-nasal vaccine (drops ‘up the nose’) at least a few days before the dog is likely to come into contact with the disease. Protection is not necessarily complete, but will at least reduce the severity of the condition, and it usually lasts for up to six months. |