Two of my clients recently took their pets to the vet for vaccination boosters, and when asked whether they wanted to vaccinate for "kennel cough", replied something to the effect that they didn't put their dogs in kennels, so no they did not.
This made me realize that a little helpful information spreading is in order...
Kennel cough is a bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” It is analogous to a chest cold for humans. It is usually caused by airborne bacteria, most commonly bordetella, but can also be caused by viruses or other organisms.
It is highly contagious among dogs, although usually not serious to any but the very young/old or immuno-suppressed, but despite it's nickname of kennel cough, it is just as easily spread anywhere at all that dogs congregate, for example the dog park, the corner cafe where dogs are often tied up, etc. Particularly since many owners will not recognize the symptoms in their dog, which may be quite mild, and will unknowingly take their dogs out while contagious. Vaccinations are available (given either annually or even twice per year) -- discuss with your vet whether your dog should receive one.
For more info, you can Google "canine bordetella" or visit sites like this one or or talk to your vet.
There, that's the lesson of the day. ;-)
1 comment:
Good to know. I didn't know this.
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