Kennel Cough is now more correctly referred to as Infectious Bronchitis. This is a disease of dogs and very rarely cats.   It is highly contagious and commonly causes laryngitis(sore throat), tracheitis (inflamed wind pipe)  and bronchitis(the small passages in the lungs become inflamed). 

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, but more severe disease can be seen in young puppies and dogs with bad hearts where secondary pneumonia may set in.  It is very annoying both to the dog and the owner and uncomfortable for the dog.

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 areas where lots of dogs are gathered together – kennels, shows and popular dog walking places.

 Unfortunately, Kennel Cough can be caused by any one or a combination of several viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. Our Kennel Cough vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus and helps to reduce the severity of any infection.

This vaccination is not done routinely but rather on request, it is a requirement by some boarding kennels and needs to be given at least 5 days before kennelling but ideally 3 weeks beforehand. Boosters can be given annually.  If you combine your Kennel Cough vaccination with your other annual vaccinations then you will receive a discount.

Annual boosters are essential to keep your dog’s immunity at an optimum level especially the Leptospirosis component.  Immunity to Leptospirosis does not last much longer than 12 months.  The other diseases are vaccinated against every 3rd year because immunity lasts longer.

Kennel Cough  is vaccinated against with a single dose intra-nasally (up the nose).  It is not included in the regular vaccinations so please ask your vet if you wish your dog to be protected from this disease.

Puppies should be isolated from other dogs, and places other dogs have been, until one week after the second injection.

Distemper Virus (Hardpad): This highly infectious disease is most deadly in puppies, but can affect dogs of all ages. Symptoms may include discharge from eyes and nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, pneumonia, fits and death.

Hepatitis: Another viral disease which often causes rapid death without symptoms, due to liver failure and haemorrhage.

Leptospirosis: There are two types of this disease:- 1) affecting the LIVER 2) affecting the KIDNEYS. Commonly transmitted by rats and dirty water.  It is more common in the countryside.

Parvovirus Enteritis: This can cause sudden death with or without symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea with haemorrhage) in dogs of all ages. Puppies are most at risk.

Parainfluenza: A respiratory infection; which is part of the Kennel Cough complex.

Kennel Cough / Infectious Bronchitis: This is caused by several organisms – see Coughs section Vaccination Programme

NOTES:

All boarding kennels require current vaccination certificates. Some require vaccination against kennel cough.

We will automatically send out annual vacination reminders but no responsibility can be taken if they are not delivered.

Feline Enteritis (panleucopaenia) – This is an acute, highly infectious disease only of cats similar to parvovirus in dogs. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe depression and death.

Feline Influenza (cat flu) – This title includes diseases caused by several viruses. Symptoms are sneezing, discharge from eyes and nose, loss of appetite, ulcers in the mouth and in severe cases pneumonia and death.

Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) – This virus is common in Stray/Feral cats especially in the South West. It is fatal and is caught by blood or saliva contact between cats. Cats who fight are particularly at risk but it can also be passed by mutual grooming and sharing of feed and water bowls.