For over a decade, I’ve been saying the term “kennel cough” needs to be retired. The condition is far more complex than the name suggests. Officially known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) or Tracheobronchitis, this illness is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, not just Bordetella bronchiseptica. What’s more, dogs can contract it in any setting where they come into contact with other dogs—not just in kennels. From dog parks to grooming salons, and even casual interactions on walks, the disease spreads wherever dogs gather.
Recently, I saw a refreshing change—a vaccination certificate from an out-of-town vet clinic that used the term Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Vaccination instead of the common “Bordetella” or “kennel cough” label. It’s the first time I’ve seen this on an official document, and it gives me hope that we’re moving toward more accurate terminology.
CIRDC: More Than Just Bordetella
CIRDC is a complex group of respiratory infections caused by various pathogens, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, but also Canine Parainfluenza virus, Adenovirus Type 2, and even Canine Distemper virus. When we reduce it to "kennel cough," we oversimplify a disease that can be triggered by multiple agents, all leading to similar symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
This oversimplification causes confusion and misinformation. “Kennel cough” implies that it’s a problem unique to boarding facilities, when in reality, dogs can contract CIRDC from any environment where they are exposed to other dogs. Blaming kennels for this condition is not only unfair but also inaccurate. We work hard to maintain strict cleaning protocols, but the fact remains that risk is present wherever dogs congregate. There’s simply no way to eliminate the risk completely.
Why Do We Vaccinate?
Though we don’t require the Bordetella vaccine at Tucked Inn, we do encourage it for seniors or dog who may be immunocompromised, and many of our clients choose to vaccinate their dogs. So why give the vaccine at all? It’s about reducing the severity of illness in the event a dog does contract CIRDC. While the vaccine primarily targets Bordetella, it can help in lessening the symptoms and the duration of the illness, much like a flu shot in humans. It’s not a cure-all, but it provides a level of protection for dogs that may encounter this respiratory disease in various environments.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the vaccine is not a guarantee that a dog won’t get sick, nor does it cover all the potential causes of CIRDC. It simply helps minimize the severity of one specific contributor, which is why many dog owners choose to administer it as an added precaution.
Breaking the "Kennel Cough" Myth
It's time to move beyond the term “kennel cough” and start educating dog owners on the true nature of CIRDC. The more accurate we are with our language, the better equipped we are to protect our pets. CIRDC isn’t something that only occurs in kennels—it’s an illness that can be encountered in many everyday situations where dogs meet.
Let's replace the outdated and misleading terminology with a more accurate understanding of how respiratory diseases affect dogs. This shift will help us all make more informed decisions about how best to protect our dogs, wherever they spend their time.
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