What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough or Canine Cough is the common name for Tracheobronchitis, a respiratory disease.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious complex of bacteria and viruses, which is spread through infected air particles,
The disease affects the delicate lining of the airways, leading to a harsh cough, distressing to both patient and owner.
How Does it Spread?
It is readily spread between dogs, especially when they are grouped together such as at shows, training classes or boarding kennels.
However, as it is an air-borne infection, even dogs that never leave the garden can be affected.
The ‘kennel’ in kennel cough is a misleading name, as it implies that it only needs to be given to pets that spend time in kennels. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Kennel cough spreads most quickly through direct dog to dog contact, such as in kennels, but also at dog shows or even on walks in areas heavily populated with dogs.
Which Dogs Should be Vaccinated?
However, just because your dog does not go to these areas does not mean they should not be vaccinated – kennel cough is highly contagious.
There does not need to be dog to dog contact to catch it – it can be spread if an infected dog sneezes, barks or coughs in the environment you walk through.
So we strongly recommend that all dogs are vaccinated against kennel cough.
To book your dog in for a Kennel Cough vaccination, call us on 01435 864422 or visit our online booking page –
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care With A Friendly Face
