Kennel Cough in Bulldogs

Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Your English bulldog can contract the disease any place where there are many dogs, such as a dog run in a park or an obedience school.

  1. Cause

    • Kennel cough is caused by distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and bordetella. Typically it is a combination of two or more of these viruses and bacteria that bring on the disease.

    Symptoms

    • Your bulldog will cough as if he is trying to dislodge something that is caught in its throat. Coughing fits will continue all day and all night.

    Treatment

    • If your bulldog has a mild case of kennel cough, your veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant so your dog can get some rest. If your dog is vomiting or coughing up mucus, then your vet will most likely prescribe an antibiotic.

    Vaccine

    • Anti-kennel cough vaccines are available. One is delivered through injection, the other your dog inhales through its nose.

    Prevention

    • Autumn is kennel cough season, so keep your bulldog isolated from other dogs. Avoid kennels and dog shows, where the disease spreads easily from dog to dog.