We all know that our dogs need their annual booster vaccination to protect against diseases like parvovirus and leptospirosis. However, you may not be as familiar with the kennel cough vaccine.
It protects against a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica which contributes to infectious tracheobronchitis (‘kennel cough’) in dogs. In the UK, this live vaccine is usually given annually and is usually administered intra-nasally with the vet squirting it gently up your dog’s nose (although there is also a “by mouth” form recently released onto the market). It can be given at the same time as his other vaccinations, or at a separate time if you choose.
Before you decide whether or not the kennel cough vaccine is worth it, let’s explore things a bit further.
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What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a respiratory infection, causing inflammation in the dog’s airways. It can vary in severity but is usually non-fatal. This is different from some of the other viruses we vaccinate for which can cause serious, and even deadly disease, such as distemper and parvovirus. Kennel cough can be caused by a few different bacteria and viruses, but the main one involved is Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The most common symptoms of kennel cough are –
- A retching/hacking cough – some owners describe their dog as sounding like there is something stuck in their throat
- Bringing up bile or phlegm
- A sensitive throat – pulling on their collar may start a coughing episode
- Changes in appetite
- Sneezing, with a runny nose or eyes
Most dogs recover from the illness by themselves, but it can take a couple of weeks in some cases. Your dog will be infectious to other dogs during this time and should be prevented from mixing with them if possible.
They don’t usually require medication, but there are always exceptions to this. Sometimes very young, old, or immune-compromised patients may get complications, like pneumonia, and may need antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
How could my dog catch kennel cough?
Kennel cough can be spread by direct dog to dog contact, usually through nasal secretions or coughing. They don’t have to be in kennels to catch it – any time there is dog to dog interaction it could potentially be spread. A sniff and a play in the park could be all it takes to infect your pet.
The infection can also be spread via items that are contaminated with nasal secretions and saliva. Sharing food bowls or toys is an example of this, meaning your dog doesn’t have to directly come into contact with another dog to catch it.
There is more risk of kennel cough spreading when you get a large number of dogs in one space, such as in boarding kennels, dog shows, doggy day care and public parks.
Is the kennel cough vaccine worth it if my dog will recover from the illness anyway?
Whilst most dogs recover by themselves, vaccinating your pet means that they don’t have to suffer from a preventable illness. Dogs that are vaccinated will either show no symptoms of kennel cough in the future, or experience a much milder version than an unvaccinated dog.
The illness is variable, meaning that some dogs may develop quite a severe cough, to the point where they are bringing up bile and phlegm. The cough can interrupt their sleep (as well as yours!) and can make them feel off colour.
If your dog catches kennel cough, the responsible thing to do is to keep them away from other dogs during this time. This can be a major inconvenience if you are reliant on dog walkers or dog sitters. It also means keeping them on a lead during daily exercise and sticking to quiet areas, so that they don’t infect others. Vaccination would prevent all this disruption from happening.
Healthy dogs usually recover ok from this respiratory infection, but some dogs can be more seriously affected. This includes brachycephalic dogs (breeds with flattened faces and compromised airways like pugs and bulldogs), young puppies with less developed immune systems, or those that have other underlying health conditions. These dogs are at higher risk of complications, such as serious pneumonia.
It is worth noting that many boarding kennels or dog walkers will also require your dog to have had the vaccine as part of their terms and conditions. Given the large number of dogs they can have at any one time, the illness could spread quite quickly, so vaccination will prevent outbreaks from occurring. Check with your kennels as to what their policy is.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough. This vaccination is usually cost-effective too. You may even find it’s included in many vet practice’s pet health care plans. You will need to decide whether it’s right for your pet, depending on their individual risk factors. But generally, the kennel cough vaccine is usually very worthwhile. Make sure you speak to your vet if you have any further questions.
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