Kennel cough in dogs is often caused by a combination of boarding at a kennel, a viral infection, and infection with which bacterium?

• A. Boarding at a kennel
• B. A viral infection
• C. All of the above
• D. Bordetella bronchiseptica infection

Answer: (C)

Kennel cough is a multifactorial respiratory illness in dogs. The crowded kennel environment increases exposure to pathogens, setting the stage for infection. Often a viral upper respiratory infection—such as canine parainfluenza or other viruses—damages the respiratory tract, making it easier for bacteria to take hold. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the classic bacterial agent linked to kennel cough, and its infection commonly occurs alongside the viral infection in this setting. Because the disease typically involves the combination of kenneling exposure, a viral infection, and Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, the best choice is all of the above. If only one factor were involved, it wouldn’t fully explain the common presentation of kennel cough.