what is kennel cough?
Saturday, August 21st, 2010 at
2:23 pm
i know you can get it from boarding dogs, but what are the symptoms and how exactly is it spread? just curious, as i aspire to be a vet 
thanks- your answers really helped! 
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Filed under: Kennel Cough Symptoms
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I just wanted to add that the bordetella vaccine, for the kennel cough infection, does not always protect the dog because there are soo many different strands of it out there. Of course the dog needs the vaccine if it is ever to be boarded or comes in contact with many other dogs often, but if not, it may not be a neccessary shot to give the dog. I brought a new pup with kennel cough (didn’t know at the time) home, to my two vaccinated other dogs and they both caught it
Also, everyone mentions the "cough" which actually sounds more like the dog is trying to hack up a fur ball, not like a humans cough.
Kennel cough (also known as infectious bronchitis) is a very contagious disease of the respiratory system. There are 2 types: viral and bacterial.
Despite its name, a dog can catch it anywhere where there are other dogs (not just kennels!); e.g. the park, dog shows, etc.
Symptoms include a dry, harsh cough, fever and inappetance (off food). Sometimes their cough is so bad it sounds like they are choking.
To prevent it, a vaccation is available from the vets before the dog goes into kennels (as this is where the dog is most likely to pick it up).
Kennel cough is spread in the air by infected dogs coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread by indirect contact; for example, when an infected and uninfected dog share a food bowl.
Hope this helps =]
@ Rachel: Thanks for adding what I forgot to include. There are 3 different strands and the vaccination only protects against one of them. My dog went into kennels (after the vaccination) and came out with kennel cough