It may seem odd when you first discover that your dog is coughing but, just like humans, dogs can also develop illnesses that result in respiratory discomfort---causing them to cough. Kennel cough is a common illness that is often acquired during times of close confinement with other dogs, such as the kennel. But kennel cough is not just a canine condition. In fact, the illness has been known to cross over and infect humans.
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Kennel cough can be transmitted to humans with weak immune systems.
What Is Kennel Cough?
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Kennel cough is also referred to as tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis or simply Bordetella. Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection in dogs that is caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, a common bacteria. Peteducation.com explains that the symptoms of kennel cough usually present themselves within two to 14 days after infection.
Human Bordetellosis
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Human Bordetellosis is a rare condition but not unheard of. The condition is usually associated with humans who do not have healthy or fully developed immune systems. According to Vetcentric.com, a dog suffering from kennel cough can secrete Bordetella bronchiseptica through coughing or sneezing. Once airborne, the bacteria can be transmitted to humans.
Weak Immune Systems
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Kennel cough is not a disease that is noted to cause widespread infection in humans. But Mar Vista Animal Medical Center of California reports that the bacteria that cause kennel cough can infect humans who have weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients and young children. The Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium is close cousins with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, which is the cause of whooping cough in humans. This close relationship between the two bacteria can cause compromised human immune systems to be susceptible.
How Is Kennel Cough Transmitted to Humans?
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Pet Informed explains that Bordetella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans through the air. This is especially true for humans living in conditions where they are in continuously close contact with infected animals or if the dwelling is dirty and has poor air circulation. It is also important to note that adults with weak immune systems, and infants, can become infected with Bordetella bacteria when they are in close contact with a dog that has recently been vaccinated against kennel cough. The symptoms of Bordetella infection in humans are very similar to that of a bad cold or flu.
Immunizing Your Dog
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The best way to guard against kennel cough is to have your dog vaccinated. According to Pfizer Animal Health, the vaccination that is administered to dogs to prevent kennel cough is a modification of the live virus that should not be given to puppies under 4 years of age. Immunizations are often administered on a yearly basis but certain living conditions may warrant immunizations twice a year.
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