Kennel cough is an upper-respiratory infection.

Kennel cough is spread by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Virus canine adenoviruses Type 1 and Type 2 may be airborne along with the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.

A hacking cough is the main symptom, and some dogs may also have a decreased appetite and a low fever.

The Bordetella bronchiseptica germ is airborne, and may be inhaled.

You dog may show symptoms a week to 10 days after being exposed.

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic drugs to treat kennel cough.

Your dog may have developed pneumonia as a result of the kennel cough, and you should take your dog to the veterinarian.

Without antibiotic medication to ease the recovery, the illness may last about two weeks for healthy, younger dogs. Puppies and older dogs may need a veterinarian check-up and antibiotic medication.

Bulldogs and pugs are more likely to pick up kennel cough because of their elongated palates.

Young puppies and older dogs are more likely to develop an illness.

There is a vaccine for kennel cough.

Healthy puppies older than two weeks may be vaccinated.

The vaccine lasts for 10 to 12 months.

Kittens and older cats may catch kennel cough, as well as guinea pigs, rabbits and pigs.

Kennel cough is rarely life-threatening.

The vaccine may be given by injection or inhalation.

Immunocompromised people are much more susceptible to all bacteria, viral and fungal infections, and need to be careful around pets carrying a bacterial infection.

The vaccine takes about four days to become effective.

Bronchitis is the adult form of kennel cough.