Canine cough in dogs

Core vaccines, commonly known as the C3 vaccine, are given to puppies and adult dogs to protect them against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases, while the C5 vaccine includes others such as Canine Cough.

Here in Australia the core vaccination is for canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus – which causes hepatitis – and canine parvovirus.

Fortunately, widespread, regular vaccination of our dogs and cats over the past 5 decades has resulted in the control of these deadly diseases, but outbreaks do still occur with puppies and older dogs being particularly at risk.

That’s why it is so important to ensure your puppy receives their first core vaccine between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks of age and avoids public areas where other dogs may have been, such as dog parks, until they have had at least their second and, in some cases, their third puppy vaccination at 16 weeks of age.

Your vet will be able to advise you on the best course for your puppy.  Boosters are then required every 1 to 3 years depending on the type of vaccine.

What does the canine cough vaccine cover

The canine cough vaccine which provides additional cover against Bordetella and Canine parainfluenza virus (commonly known as canine cough or even kennel cough), this one is given as a booster every year for life.

Why vaccinate against canine cough?

Most boarding kennels, doggy day care and some groomers will require your dog to be up to date all of these vaccines.

Canine cough is an airborne disease that’s highly contagious and commonly found where dogs are in close proximity like kennels and dog parks, it is treatable but symptoms such as coughing can linger for several months and be particularly debilitating in the elderly or patients with other respiratory or cardiac issues.

As a vet, I do find owners allowing their dog’s vaccinations to lapse or some may have concerns over the potential adverse effects.

Why are vaccinations needed?

My advice in these cases, like that of the World Veterinary Association, is that the benefits of protection from potentially deadly infectious disease far outweighs the slight risk of a vaccination reaction.  Especially in areas where your dog is likely to be exposed to canine cough, which is fairly common.

These days we also have the option of Titre Testing dogs. A blood sample is collected and the antibodies to a particular virus are measured, determining the level of protection and whether a vaccination booster is required.

As their guardians, it is up to us to protect our pets from all preventable pain and suffering, including from canine cough. Vaccines provide this cover not only for our own pets but for our community, keeping terrible diseases like Canine Distemper a thing of the past.

Talk to your Vet to ensure your dog’s vaccinations and parasite protection are up to date and specific for the area you live.

Dr Melissa Meehan is a highly experienced and respected veterinary surgeon with over 14 years experience. Dr Melissa obtained her Members in Small Animal Medicine through examination in 2008 and now runs her own veterinary ophthalmology service.