Kennel Cough is a serious and highly contagious upper-respiratory virus that causes hemmorhages in the lung tissue, and damages the surface of the bronchioles (tube-like airways inside the lungs). In severe cases it can cause extensive lung damage and even lead to pneumonia.

Respiratory infections are serious if left untreated and can be caused by a wide variety of organisms, including intestinal parasites, so it is important to notify Dr. Barkley whenever your pet exhibits a new symptom, such as coughing, to determine the cause of the problem. Symptoms of Kennel Cough may be very mild and can sometimes go unnoticed, but are usually characterized by a harsh cough that can last for a few days to a few weeks..

Dogs are typically exposed to this virus by visiting palces where large groups of dogs gather (dog shows, grooming parlors, boarding kennels, the park, animal shelters, breeding kennels, etc.), and can also be exposed when they go for walks, or run away from home and run loose. Bordatella Bronchiseptica is just one of many canine upper respiratory infections that dogs are exposed to on a regular basis.

There is a vaccine available for Kennel Cough, and you can ask Dr. Barkley to include this important vaccine in your pet's annual immunization program. The vaccine should be given at least two weeks prior to potential exposure, or given annually with routine immunizations.