Sweden About us For the vet Home Therapy AreasVaccinationDogKennel cough KENNELHOSTA Parainfluenza and bordetella are by far the two most common causes of what is popularly called kennel cough. The remaining cases are caused by other viral infections or bacteria. Kennel cough is not in itself a life-threatening disease, but in small puppies, older, impaired or newly operated animals, the disease should be taken very seriously. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets from coughing dogs, the risk of infection is greater at times when many dogs from different environments gather. The incubation period is usually 4-10 days. Symptoms of infectious kennel cough in dogs are characterized by sudden bouts of severe cough, often followed by vomiting. Cough attacks are often triggered by a jerk in the collar, arousal or inhalation of cold air. It may sound like the dog has got something in its throat. Fever and poor appetite sometimes occur. Viral infections cannot be treated, but usually the symptoms disappear after 1-2 weeks. Bacterial infections such as bordetella may sometimes need to be treated with antibiotics. Contagious Parainfluenza and bordetella are both highly contagious diseases. Transmission of infection to other dogs via humans or other animals is less likely for parainfluenza, as the virus survives for a very short time outside the host animal. Bordetella can in rare cases be transmitted to cats and in very rare cases to people with weakened immune systems. The risk of being infected with kennel cough is always greatest among dogs that have a large contact area with other dogs. It is especially important to vaccinate dogs in these risk groups. MSD Animal Health has vaccines against parainfluenza and combination vaccines against parainfluenza and bordetella. Talk to your veterinarian if you want to know more about vaccination against kennel cough. © 2009-2018 MSD Animal Health Intervet AB Sweden Terms and ConditionsSite mapSecurity issues