What About Kennel Cough?

Q: Our puppy was up most of the night coughing the other night. We took her to the vet and they said that it was kennel cough... we had recorded what she sounded like to show the vet incase she wasn't coughing at the time. The vet gave us .50mg/ml of Doxycycline to give her until it's finished. I heard kennel cough is over diagnosed. Do you think that is what she has or just a puppy cold?

A: Very good question. The term kennel cough was originally used to describe a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordatella. It has become a label that is overused in my opinion. There really is no way to differentiate infections caused by Bordatella from other respiratory infections especially in the early stages. The important thing is that you sought treatment right away. As lone as your puppy eats well and feels good she will recover whether it is Bordatella infection or come other organism. Pleas watch the respiratory infection series of videos and send any other questions you have.