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If you have ever visited a kennel and found several of the dogs coughing, you have seen and heard the results of a virus called canine tracheobronchitis, more commonly referred to as kennel cough. While many people associate kennel cough with dogs, you should know cats can also contract this type of respiratory virus. Being informed about the symptoms and what you should do if your pets suffer with any of them is extremely important to their good health and well-being.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica Is Like A Human Cold Virus

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes the respiratory infection called canine tracheobronchitis. Canine tracheobronchitis is similar to the common cold in people. Kennel cough is also transmitted through the air in the same way as a human cold virus. The bordetella vaccine comes in an injection form and in intranasal drops. Many pet owners prefer the nasal drops for their dog or cat due to the lessened chance of stinging pain associated with an injection. If your pet is getting more than one injection during a single visit to your vet, choosing the intranasal drops is a good idea if you plan to also vaccinate against kennel cough. If you have a cat, bear in mind the bordetella vaccine for cats is only offered in nasal drops.

Lowering The Risk Of Exposure

Dogs rarely catch kennel cough when playing outdoors at a dog park, even when playing with several other dogs, because there is plenty of fresh air. The kennels that do not have proper ventilation in their facility is at higher risk of contagious diseases traveling through them. For this reason, choosing only the kennel that you have toured personally is important. Also, if a kennel does not require a bordetella vaccine, you might think about choosing one that does for lowering your pet's exposure. If you board your cat and dog at separate facilities, remember to take a tour and look for coughing, sneezing cats as a sign of bordetella. While kennel cough is not a deadly disease and is easily treatable, taking chances that could cause your pet to catch it is not a good idea.

Staying on top of your pet's medical care is important to catch diseases and other issues early. If you are able to prevent a disease, doing so is certainly worth it. Learning about the vaccines your animal companions need for remaining healthy and happy is the best way you can give back some of the love and loyalty they unconditionally give to you.

To learn more, contact a dog kennel like Alpha K-9 Kennels.