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Can Dogs Get Kennel Cough Even When Vaccinated?
What Exactly is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, also known as ‘Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease,’ is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. You might liken it to the common cold for humans. It’s caused by a combination of viral and bacterial infections. The symptoms can include a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite and low fever.
Can Vaccinated Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Yes, unfortunately, your dog can get kennel cough even if they’ve been vaccinated. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s similar to how you can still catch the flu even if you’ve had the flu shot. The reason for this is that the kennel cough vaccine does not cover all strains of the bacteria and viruses that cause the disease. It’s designed to reduce the severity of your dog’s symptoms if they do catch it, not to prevent it outright.
How Vaccines Work and Why They’re Not Fail-Safe
Just like humans, dogs have immune systems that remember diseases they’ve encountered before. Vaccines work by introducing a safe form of the disease into the dog’s body, which allows the immune system to learn how to fight it off. However, just as with human vaccines, they’re not foolproof.
- Variations of Strains: The vaccine might not cover every strain of the disease.
- Timing: The vaccine might not have had enough time to take effect.
- Health Status: The dog’s overall health can impact how well the vaccine works.
| Vaccine Limitations | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Variations of Strains | Not all strains are covered by the vaccine |
| Timing | Vaccines need time to take effect |
| Health Status | Overall health can impact vaccine effectiveness |
What You Can Do to Protect Your Dog
Even though vaccines aren’t 100% effective, they’re still your dog’s best shot at staying healthy. Here are some steps you can take:
- Keep up to date with their vaccinations.
- Maintain regular vet check-ups.
- Keep your dog in good general health.
- Avoid places with known outbreaks.
FAQs
Q: How long does kennel cough last in dogs?
A: Typically, kennel cough lasts between 10 to 20 days and it is highly treatable in most dogs.
Q: Is kennel cough dangerous?
A: For most dogs, kennel cough is not dangerous. However, it can be serious in puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with preexisting health conditions.
Q: Can I catch kennel cough from my dog?
A: It’s extremely rare, but the bacteria that causes kennel cough can infect humans with weakened immune systems.
Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting kennel cough?
A: Vaccinate your dog, avoid areas with known outbreaks, and keep your dog in good general health.
Remember, when it comes to your furry friend’s health, always consult with a trusted veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet.
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