Dogs get coughs for a variety of reasons. Some coughs can be serious and related to an underlying health problem. Canine cough is also called Bordetellosis, Infectious Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough. Your dog may or may not ever experience this cough.

Canine cough is a dry hacking cough that sounds like they need to clear their throat.  Walking or exercise can also trigger the cough.  Some dogs will cough up clear phlegm. The dog's general health is unaffected with no rise in temperature and no loses of appetite.  The cough can last 7-20 days and can be more annoying to the owner than the dog.

Many infectious agents cause the cough. The cough is spread just like a cold it's airborne. Once inhaled the organism attaches to the lining of the trachea and bronchial passages. This infection is transmitted when dogs are together in an area as a kennel, dog shows, community dog-parks, grooming shop as well as just from passing other dogs while walking.

In the most clean and well-ventilated kennels the possibility is there. You may have an infected dog that comes in contact with your dog that did not show symptoms, yet is a carrier and can bring it into a facility.  Many dogs with a high protective immunity level or exposed allot to other dogs may never get it. Most dogs will display minor signs of coughing lasting 7-10 days and may not need any medication. Your vet may order an antibiotic or a cough suppressant if the cough is severe. A moist warm shower with allot of humidity will also help ease the cough. If your dog gets it, isolate your dog from other dogs until it subsides.

Prevention is the key. Some dogs may not get it; others who immune system is weak may get repeated cases. The Bordetella vaccine is one way of prevention. The injectable vaccine must be given 7-10 days prior to boarding it you are not boostering the vaccine. Then every 6 months a Bordetella booster shot is required at our facility. Another way to help keep the spread of canine cough down in our kennel is good ventilation with air cleaners and ceiling fans to keep the air moving.