What is Kennel Cough?



When we have to board our dogs, we do not expect them to come home with any illness. But it does happen sometimes. It can happen with kennel cough, known as Bordetella Bronchiseptica. 

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is commonly contracted at places such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. It can be spread through airborne droplets, as when the dog is coughing, direct contact (touching noses) or contaminated surfaces (such as water/food bowls, or toys).

For the safety of your pet, non-medical boarding at Healing Springs requires pets to be fully vaccinated. This includes Bordetella. Bordetella Bronchiseptica causes inflammation of your dog’s respiratory system. This leads to coughing, secondary infections, and illness. Even vaccinated dogs can be affected by kennel cough in high-exposure situations, such as groomers and other places where dogs gather when vaccinations are not required or verified. While kennel cough is not fatal, it can open the door to fatal pneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs. For the health of your pets and to protect our community from outbreaks, only use services where standard vaccinations are required.

Although kennel cough is easily treatable, it is important to check with your veterinarian to make sure it is not a sign of something more serious.

Learn more:

Kennel Cough in Dogs – Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. Available from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/

Pet Boarding in Galax, VA https://healingspringsanimalhospital.com/Pet-Boarding-Galax.html

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