Blog What is Bordetella

Bordetella, is commonly referred to as Kennel Cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory illness among dogs. Kennel cough infects a very high percentage of dogs and most will catch at least once in their lifetime.

Bordetella Symptoms:
• Dry Cough
• Retching
• Watery Nasal Discharge
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite

The most common and preliminary symptom is a dry hacking cough. If your dog displays any of the above symptoms we advise you take them to your local vet.

What Causes Bordetella?
This is the equivalent of the common cold for dogs. It can be transmitted through interaction with other dogs. This can take place at dog parks, neighbors dogs, pet boarding facilities, and dog events. Anytime your dog is around other dogs it has the chance of getting Bordetella.

How to treat it?
Like the common cold, Bordetella can be easily treated. How it’s treated depends on how bad the cough is.

If the symptoms are minor most vets will just let it run its course. If its a little more serious an anti-inflammatory will be given to reduce the coughing and allow your dog to be comfortable.

For more severe symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, or trouble breathing then your vet will provide an antibiotic for your dog. Although these are symptoms of Bordetella, they can lead to pneumonia, which is more severe.

How to treat it at home?
Remove any collars or harnesses from the dog so it allows them to breathe easily and without any restrictions.

Allow the steam to build in the bathroom from a hot shower. Let your dog breathe in the steam for 20 minutes. This will help loosen any phlegm and open up their breathing passageways. This will allow them to breathe easier.

At Very Important Paws we will not allow any dog into our facility until they are up to date on their Bordetella vaccination. This is for the safety of all our resort guests.