PET SUBJECT: 'Kennel cough' can be picked up anywhere that dogs congregate

As we leave summer and head into autumn and towards winter, many of us will start thinking about our flu vaccines in preparation for the winter weather and Flu season.

So, in this month’s column let us discuss kennel cough which is also known as canine influenza and infectious bronchitis.

Sadly it has been poorly named kennel cough (it should be anywhere cough!) as it was first discovered in a kennel setting. Being highly contagious, it often sweeps through close canine populations.

However, it really can be picked up anywhere that dogs congregate: kennels, doggie day care, parks, streets, dog shows and can even be introduced to your dog via clothing and shoes.

Having a vaccination for this disease is often a standard requirement for kennels and day care centres.

There are many causes of infectious bronchitis, some bacterial and some viral. Some cases can be a mixture of two or more pathogens.

The best and most comprehensive vaccination for these is the kennel cough vaccine that is administered up the nostril; and these vaccines are constantly being updated as are human flu vaccines. They can be given alone or as part of the yearly vaccination protocol.

Infectious bronchitis is rarely fatal, but it causes a harsh, goose-honk like cough, excessive mucous production, retching, vomiting, fever and general poor demeanour.

Any breed and age group can be at risk but young, elderly and infirm animals are at greater risk.

It is highly contagious and can easily spread to neighbouring resident dogs and will infect any environment the dog travels through. In rare cases the infection can cause pneumonia and then can become life threatening.

We have recently seen cases of kennel cough in this area so if you want to discuss vaccination further, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinary team.