The incubation period from the time a dog is exposed until clinical signs appear varies depending on which infectious agent is the cause. In general it appears to be about 3 to 5 days with Bordetella. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog "has something caught in his throat". In some dogs it can lead to pneumonia or more serious signs. Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough and antibiotics may be necessary for stubborn infections or to try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. It is probably a good idea to vaccinate dogs who will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at shows, obedience classes or the classic cause -- when left in kennels. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity, though. Some vets use both to get maximum protection. We don't use either one routinely but give the intranasal vaccine to our patients who will be exposed to groups of dogs.

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Question: In the last week my dog has started coughing every hour. It sounds like he is gagging really bad, and occasionally it's accompanied by some milky, mucousy liquid. This is the first time he's ever had any trouble breathing, and it strikes whenever he gets active. He still seems in good spirits. He'll grab the tennis ball and come over to get me to play, coughing all the while. About a week ago I had him started on Program to control fleas. 3 weeks prior to that I had him checked for heartworms and started on Hartguard. Both times he was given a mitabin dip to control (genetic) mange. He's been shedding a lot (it seems normal amounts though considering it's spring now) of his winter fur. Could he have a hairball? Do you think I should take him to back to the vet? It sounds horrible when he starts coughing. I also changed his food to Thompson's Pasta this week, and that has coincided with these symptoms. He is switched back to his previous brand now. Kennel Cough seems to be what it is from perusing your web site. How long should I wait to see if it clears up? Thanks for any information.

Answer: The symptoms you are describing do sound like tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) but I am very wary of any unusual symptoms seen in dogs when we are using a medication like amitraz (Mitaban Rx), which has toxic effects at dosages only slightly above the effective dosages. Just to be on the safe side, it would probably be best to ask your vet to re-examine Patch.

Mike Richards, DVM