Let’s clear the air. There is recent hysteria about a “mysterious canine respiratory virus” sweeping our nation’s kennels and grooming salons. Tic Tok, Facebook, Instagram, etc., are once again stoking panic and fear… this time it’s about our dogs’ well-being.

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to specific viruses and organisms that can cause coughing and respiratory distress. We group these contagions into the catch-all phrase “kennel cough;” as most are spread in the close quarters of a kennel/boarding situation. (Human “kennel cough” would be called a “cold or flu”). Note there is no specific disease called kennel cough. Any canine infectious upper respiratory illness gets this name.

The veterinary field has identified several viruses and bacteria that fall into the kennel cough category. Bordetella, canine parainfluenza, and canine flu are a few familiar examples. Just like us humans, these organisms can cause cold or flu like symptoms in our dogs. It is important to note that MOST do not cross over and infect humans, i.e. they are “species specific.”

Is there a new virus sweeping the kennels and grooming facilities now? We really don’t know. There are reports of an increase of kennel cough in the US. It takes time to identify the cause of these conditions, but right now the consensus is that there is no new virus. These yearly outbreaks have waxed and waned for decades, and most have turned out to be known viruses like parainfluenza or canine flu (H3N8 and H3N2) that have slightly mutated and escape the protection from the older vaccine. The veterinary world is looking into this now.

Any disease affecting our beloved dog’s lungs can be scary. Just like us, if our dog has lung or heart disease, immune suppression, or is just older, any respiratory infection can be devastating or even deadly.

So, what can you do? Protecting your pup from known infectious viruses and bacteria is important. Vaccinating with the latest version of Bordetella, parainfluenza or canine flu vaccines will help. As viruses mutate, most are still partially stopped by the previous version of the vaccine for that disease. Often, outbreaks of kennel cough have multiple infections. If your pup is vaccinated for the above, at least his immune system will be able to fight the known viruses and can “focus” on any new or secondary infections that may occur.

The bottom line: keeping your pup up to date on his or her vaccines and heartworm prevention will always be beneficial should they be exposed to infectious diseases. Let’s prevent what we know we can prevent so that our dogs’ bodies have the strength to focus on anything new or opportunistic.
The VOTS team will guide you and your pup to the vaccine and heartworm protection that best fits their lifestyle. Come see us!

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