Pets: Cough up for dog's vital jab

The disease leads to inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and upper airways, and can be caused by various bacteria and viruses, the most common of which is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Dogs are more susceptible to the highly infectious respiratory disease when they are grouped together in large numbers, as they are in boarding kennels.

Veterinary charity PDSA warns that old and young dogs, as well as those with low immunity due to existing health problems, are the most vulnerable.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, Sean Wensley, says: "The best way to prevent your dog from developing kennel cough is to ensure he or she is vaccinated, especially if there is going to be close contact with other dogs.

"Vaccinating your dog before they enter a kennel or go to a dog show will help protect them from the most common bugs which can cause kennel cough."

The disease spreads through airborne particles or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

Dogs infected with kennel cough have symptoms including a dry cough, retching, gagging, lethargy and a poor appetite. Often owners mistakenly believe their pet has something caught in their throat because of the retching.

Mr Wensley adds: "Many dog owners get their dog vaccinated annually to protect them against a range of serious diseases such as canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus, but the kennel cough vaccine isn't one of the routine vaccines given. It is only usually given before a period of high risk, such as going into boarding kennels, so make sure you speak to your vet about vaccination before such a visit."

If your dog shows any symptoms of kennel cough, call your veterinary practice for advice.

Infected dogs should be kept away from other pooches to prevent the disease from spreading.

For more information, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealthcough