Canine cough, also known as kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is characterized by a persistent, dry, hacking cough that can be quite loud and may sound like honking or gagging. Canine cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with the most common culprits being the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus. Other viruses, such as canine adenovirus and canine distemper virus, can also contribute to the development of kennel cough.
The infection spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected dogs. It is often transmitted in places where dogs congregate closely, such as kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and shelters. The close proximity allows for easy transmission of the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough.
Symptoms of canine cough typically appear within a week of exposure and may include:
If you suspect that your dog has canine cough, it's important to isolate them from other dogs to prevent further spread of the infection. Contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment may include symptomatic relief for the cough, such as cough suppressants, as well as antibiotics to address any bacterial component of the infection.
Jagger's is the only boarding facility in Mount Vernon and surrounding area that features commercial Air Purification units to insure that the air your dogs are breathing is as clean as possible. These units feature AHPCO technology developed by NASA, which eliminates 99% of allergens or potential air-borne pathogens that might otherwise be a threat to your pet. We are certified for air-quality with (5) different units in our building. We also require every Boarding Dog and Daycare Dog to be current on the Bordetella vaccine. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not 100% effective, and there are nearly 50 other respiratory illnesses that are similar to Bordetella which are not covered by the vaccine at all. Having the vaccine will still lessen the symptoms and the duration of any respiratory illness that your dog might encounter. At Jagger's, we also practice daily disinfecting and sanitatizng protocols. We routinely clean all of the floors, walls, playground equipment, sanitize the stainless steel food & water bowls, and sanitize the pet turf with Wyshi-Wash.