Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease of dogs. In most cases the disease occurs when a dog becomes infected with one, or more, of the following viruses: canine adenovirus 2, canine distemper virus, and canine parainfluenza virus. The Bordetella bacteria may also cause kennel cough, and in some cases it also occurs as a secondary infection that develops when a dog has been infected with a viral respiratory infection.
Fortunately the symptoms of kennel cough are easy to recognize. If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, and your dog has recently been kenneled or exposed to other dogs, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. You will also need to restrict your dog from having contact with other dogs until he or she has finished antibiotic treatment.