Kennel Cough/Infectious Bronchitis

Now more correctly referred to as Infectious Bronchitis. This is a disease of dogs and rarely cats. It is characterised by a harsh, persistent cough, often so violent that the dog retches, bringing up frothy fluids. In general it is not life threatening, except in dogs with bad hearts where secondary pneumonia may set in, but it is very annoying both to the dog and the owner.

In spite of its name, Kennel Cough is no longer confined to kennels; any dog can catch it at any time. It is, however, most common in kennels or shows where lots of dogs are gathered together. Unfortunately, Kennel Cough can be caused by any one or more of the four germs - Two viruses, one bacterium and a mycoplasma. It is possible to protect against the bacterium using an intra-nasal vaccine called INTRAC.

This is not done routinely but rather on request, it is a requirement by some boarding kennels and needs to be given 5 days before kennelling. Boosters can be given 6 monthly. It is also possible to vaccinate against the viruses - two injections are required two weeks apart, the second, a week before possible contact with the infection. One dose of virus vaccine is incorporated into the dog's routine annual booster, and is included in the original course for puppies.