Canine Respiratory Disease Complex
There are several names that refer to infectious coughing diseases that dogs get. Canine cough complex, Canine respiratory disease, Kennel cough, and Canine Infectious tracheo-bronchitis are the most frequently used. They all refer to the same condition. It is an infectious bronchitis that is characterized by a harsh, hacking cough that sounds like “something stuck in the dog’s throat.”
This can be caused by several different bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasm organism either singly or in combination with others. Vaccinations to protect against Canine cough complex are only available for Bordetella bronchiseptica, Para influenza, Adenovirus type 2, Canine Distemper, and Canine influenza. Infection with the other organisms cannot be prevented.
The normal respiratory tract has substantial safeguards against invading infectious agents. The safeguards may be diminished by change in environments, or temperature, stress, exposure to new dogs, or current illness, and many other things. Some dogs may become immune to this organism but still be a carrier and transmitter to other dogs who may have never been exposed before.
Infectious bronchitis may be of brief duration and mild enough to warrant no treatment at all or it may be more severe. An uncomplicated case runs a course of a week or two with frequent fits of coughing in a patient who otherwise feels active and normal. More severe cases often include not wanting to eat, a fever, and breathing difficulties. Medical attention should be sought for anything more than a mild case.
Boarding a dog involves changing their normal routine, environment, and increases their exposure to new dogs. Your dog may be exposed to new viruses, or bacteria that they may be susceptible to. We diligently ensure that every dog that comes here is properly immunized. We diligently clean, disinfect, and maintain proper air circulation. We are diligent in making sure that all dogs are free from any symptom of canine respiratory disease upon entering this facility. We cannot ensure that every dog present is not a carrier that may expose other dogs. We also cannot assure that your dog(s) will be completely immune to any organism that they may be exposed to while boarding.
Similarly to us or children, we receive immunizations to protect us against some respiratory diseases, but it is impossible to prevent children from catching “colds or the flu” at school, or adults from getting “colds or flu” at work or other places.
Please talk to us or your veterinarian if you have more questions about Canine Cough Complex.
