Kennel Cough

A particular problem for which there is no total preventative control is kennel cough, an infectious inflammation of the larynx and trachea. Kennel cough may not be the best description. The disease is transmitted by droplets coughed into the air by dogs actively suffering from the illness. Somewhat close contact between dogs is necessary for its transmission, such as nose-to-nose greeting through the wires at a dog kennels. At least as common a cause is dogs meeting at training classes or the vet or anywhere where dogs meet up and are close together.

Kennel cough is caused by a mixture of infectious agents. The most effective vaccine, although it still does not include every possible component of the infection, is given as a nasal spray.