Bordetella (Canine Cough)

Bordetella (ITB-Infectious Tracheo-Bronchitis) is the most common respiratory infectious disease in dogs. Similar to the common cold in humans, the organisms that cause canine cough are airborne. Dogs can catch this debilitating, persistent disease simply by being close to other infected dogs. It is spread by human handling, through cages and food/water bowls. This is why it is common wherever dogs are housed or confined together.

•        Symptoms

o       loud “honking” cough

o       nasal discharge

o       watery eyes

o       loss of appetite

•        Once contracted

o       It generally takes a week or two for it to completely run its course.

o       The dog will suffer no permanent damage.

o       The vet can prescribe a cough suppressant to minimize the amount of coughing episodes.

•        Prevention

o       There is no cure for Bordetella; the best defense is prevention.

o       The vaccine only protects against 64% of Bordetella strains.

o       Currently there are two types of vaccines for Bordetella, intranasal and injectable.

o       Intranasal:

§        The intranasal vaccine has a fast onset of action, so it is better to use if the dog is being boarded or planning on attending daycare.

§        It is best to have the vaccination done at least one week before the dog comes to camp so that the vaccine can actually work.

§        Doses given immediately before kenneling are not protective.

§        Unfortunately, the intranasal does not last very long.

§        Dose recommendations range from every three weeks to every six months.

o       Injectable:

§        The injectable vaccine is better for long immunity duration, but current reports suggest that it produces only a very low level of immunity.

§        Vaccination does not 100% guarantee that the dog will not get an infection, but it may lessen the course of the disease.

 

 

 

(Frequently Asked Questions)

(Liseten to Canine Cough)