Trish Wamsat's AdobeDogs Puppy and Dog Training

At Adobe Animal Hospital we're seeing a larger-than-usual number of dogs with Kennel Cough.  Kennel cough is usually a virus with a bacterial component.  This means that it usually spreads and acts like a virus, but problems can occur when there is an overgrowth of bacteria . 

I spoke with one of my favorite vets so I could give you an accurate scoop; here's what she said (paraphrased).

Kennel cough is rarely more than the equivalent of a human's cold, for most dogs.  Antibiotics are sometimes given to reduce the chance of a bacterial overgrowth, but often, if the dog seems unbothered except for the cough, the doctor will do nothing or give a cough suppressant. 

Like the Flu vaccine, the Kennel Cough vaccine is specific to ONE strain of the infection.  This means that if it's not exactly the same strain as the vaccine, there will be no protection.  In addition, the vaccine, at it best, is only 15-50% effective IF it's the exact strain, which is rare. 

We've been seeing more cases for about the past six months, since an outbreak at a local boarding facility.  Since it's highly contagious and really not preventable, it's just kept going and going and going.....   It is VERY highly contagious and like a cold, it's most contagious before you see symptoms

The moral of the story is that your puppy/dog may be exposed to Kennel Cough anywhere.  It doesn't mean the kennel, groomer, vet, neighbor or person at the dog park is unclean or is knowingly exposing your pet.  Believe me, the headaches caused by a sick dog/puppy are HUGE and they all do everything they can to protect your pet and theirs.  Remember, THE VACCINE IS RARELY PROTECTIVE. 

Isolation is the key.  If your dog is coughing, keep him away from close contact with other dogs until he has stopped coughing.  If your friend's dog is coughing, don't allow close contact until the coughing has stopped.  Keep in mind, though, that Kennel Cough is spread through the air so may be on your clothes, shoes, or in the environment.  If you bring your dog to the vet for coughing, leave him in the car until they are ready for you!  If it's too hot to safely be in the car, keep him on leash where other dogs don't have to walk by him to get into the hospital.