Canine Cough and Canine Influenza

What's the difference?

Canine Cough, or Kennel Cough, is a general term used to describe a number of viral or bacterial illnesses that cause a cough in dogs.  The severity varies by virus or infection.  Canine Influenza is a virus that can be more contagious and aggressive in nature.  

The Bordetella vaccine helps to protect your pet from "kennel cough", but even vaccinated pets can catch a strain of the illness that the vaccine does not cover.  

Canine Influenza has 2 predominant strains, H3N2 and H3N8.   CIV H3N2 is the current strain being seen in our area, and vaccination is required beginning 9/1/22.  You dog may still catch the virus, but having the vaccine will lessen the severity and will prevent pneumonia.