Kennel Cough is in Season all Year for our Canine Companions

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., Oct. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches more and more dogs will be boarding at veterinary clinics boarding facilities or pet resorts, or traveling with other dogs or visiting family and friends with dogs. This increased interaction outside of the home puts those dogs at risk for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), or kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. The disease is spread by air and by dogs in close contact with other dogs, so kennel cough can be transmitted anywhere and at any time of the year, even during the winter months.

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Vaccinating against CIRD is an important step in reducing the risk of disease. As pet owners start to make holiday travel plans, veterinarians remind pet owners that CIRD is transferred through the air, which can facilitate transmission between doggie friends. Because the likelihood of catching CIRD increases when dogs are in close proximity to other dogs, public areas such as the groomer, obedience classes and boarding facilities are places where kennel cough can spread quickly.  Even dogs traveling with their owner can be exposed to new dogs and contract CIRD.

"Kennel cough (CIRD) is not a life threatening disease, but many dogs are exposed and at risk on a day to day basis if they are around other dogs," said Michael Paul, DVM. "The disease is in large part preventable by using a CIRD vaccine.  Recently  a new  easily administered oral vaccine was introduced and has been shown to be highly effective."

If your dog is at risk of catching CIRD, vaccinating is a good idea to help keep your pet healthy.  Veterinarians commonly recommend CIRD vaccination for at risk dogs of all sizes and activity levels.

"Along with diminished appetite, decreased energy levels and a low fever, there are additional signs of CIRD that infected dogs may show. Dog owners should be aware of the symptoms of the disease and if they hear a dry, hacking cough they should talk to their veterinarian, said Richard Meadows, DVM, DABVP, curator's teaching professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia. "Any dog that is in contact with other dogs should be vaccinated for CIRD. Contact your veterinarian about the best option for vaccinating your dog."

The newest option is an easy to administer oral vaccine for CIRD (kennel cough), Bronchi-Shield® ORAL.  It is the only licensed CIRD vaccine that can be administered orally. Dogs benefit from a comfortable vaccine experience with no needle and nothing squirted up their nose.  

For more information on CIRD (kennel cough) and how you can protect your pet, contact your veterinarian about Bronchi-Shield® ORAL, or visit www.OralDogVaccine.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

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SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim