BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Veterinarians in North Carolina have reported a high number of kennel cough cases this fall. The strain appears to be highly contagious and causes a dry hacking cough. The traditional Bordetella vaccine is not effective against this strain which has been found to be caused by Mycoplasma spp. 

Symptoms include cough, nasal and ocular discharge, lethargy and fever. Like Bordetella, this strain of kennel cough is highly contagious. Most dogs continue to have normal attitude or maybe mild lethargy. However, some dogs can progress to pneumonia and become severely ill. The infection is usually self-limiting and lasts 7-10 days. Many pets can be treated with supportive care at home. More severe cases usually occur in dogs with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.  

Just like their human counterparts, the best way to avoid infection is social distancing. Owners are being told to avoid dog parks, doggy day care, grooming appointments or other large gatherings of dogs if kennel cough is prevalent in their area. It is not currently known how widespread this strain will be. Currently it appears to have been limited to the southeast, but some veterinarians in Oregon have reported cases as well. With dogs traveling as companions on airlines and family vacations more often now, it is much easier for a disease like this to spread across the country.