What is "Kennel Cough?" 

"Kennel cough" is the common name for a highly contagious upper respiratory disease of dogs. It is caused by canine parainfluenza virus, a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, or a combination of these two (and possibly other viruses and bacteria). Veterinarians may refer to kennel cough as infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), canine upper respiratory infection (CURI), or canine contagious respiratory disease (CCRD). Kennel cough is commonly seen in dogs who are exposed to many other dogs in places such as animal shelters or boarding kennels. Kennel cough is "species specific," meaning it infects only dogs and puppies, not cats or humans.

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