Kennel cough, also called bordetellosis, infectious respiratory disease and infectious canine cough, is an infection that is transmitted easily between dogs. It is one of the most common canine diseases, occurring worldwide and in all dog breeds.

The disease is often associated with dogs kept together in large groups, such as in kennels (hence the name), at dog shows, or in shelters. But in fact, it is so contagious that even dogs not exposed to those conditions can get it. A good analogy is to think of it as you would a human cold. All that is needed is one dog coughing and the virus becomes airborne. When that occurs any dog within the immediate area can catch it.

When the dog becomes infected, the windpipe and upper bronchi are attacked by the virus, although there will be few outer signs that the dog is ill or in anyway distressed. What will be difficult to ignore though, is the dog’s persistent honk-like cough.

This is often enough to send many dog owners into a panic, but in fact, most cases of kennel cough are quite mild. Your dog will mostly carry on as normal, with only the cough to indicate he is unwell.The real danger is that, untreated, kennel cough infections can develop into pneumonia, which can potentially be life threatening. For this reason, it is important to refer any instance of kennel cough to your vet, no matter how mild it may seem to you.

After an initial diagnosis, your vet may decide to treat the infection with antibiotics. He may also decide, if the infection is not too serious, that no treatment is needed. In this case you will be asked to monitor the dog’s condition and report any problems.

The best way to ensure that your dog is not exposed to kennel cough is to keep him away from dogs that you are not familiar to you. Keep this in mind while you are walking your dog or in areas, like a beach or park, where you are likely to meet other dogs. Be particularly careful while your dog is a pup, because his immune system will still be weak and not fully developed.

Despite its connection with kenneled dogs, most kenneling facilities are well aware of the dangers of the disease and will require proof of vaccination before taking a dog in. If they don’t, take your dog somewhere else.

Even if your dog is never likely to be kenneled, vaccination against kennel cough is an absolute must. Your vet will normally include this in the annual 5 in 1 shot, but for further peace of mind ask him about it, to make sure.

Kennel cough itself is not a serious danger to a healthy adult dog, but because it can be a factor in more serious diseases it always pays to have it treated right away.

Find out more about kennel cough, dog training, dog health and other interesting dog advice at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com.