What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is the lay term for an upper respiratory infection caused by Bordetella bacteria. The infection causes a characteristic dry cough in dogs, and is often seen in dogs after they return home from a stay in the kennel - hence the name "kennel cough". Treatment consists of antibiotics for a couple of weeks to kill the bacteria. An effective vaccine is now available and is typically required by kennels before your dog can be boarded there.