What is “kennel cough”?

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory disease primarily affecting dogs. It is characterized by a dry, honking cough and can be caused by a combination of viral and bacterial agents, with the most common being the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium, as well as canine parainfluenza virus. The term "kennel cough" arises because the disease often spreads in environments where dogs are in close quarters, such as kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities.

Understanding its contagious nature is crucial for effective management and prevention, such as vaccinations for at-risk populations, isolating infected animals, and maintaining good hygiene in facilities where multiple dogs are housed to limit the spread of the disease. The other options describe different conditions that do not capture the primary characteristic of kennel cough, which is its infectious respiratory aspect.