Kennel Cough

There are many types of kennel cough, but there are two varieties - Para-influenza 3 and Bordetella Bronchiseptica Bacteria - which seem to be prevalent and vaccines have been formulated for both types. In the case of Bordetella Bronchiseptica this is given as nose drops, and it must be administered at least five days prior to a dog going into boarding kennels, as kennel cough is highly infectious. The signs, which vary enormously in their severity, are a harsh dry cough, swollen glands and sometimes coughing up white froth or phlegm. A course of antibiotics and cough medicine is the usual form of treatment. A regular vaccination program will protect the dog from getting infected. Ask your vet for details. © Janet Parker & Peter Nicholson, ‘The Complete Rhodesiuan Ridgeback’