To many, the term kennel cough means that this disease can only be contracted from a kennel. This is not so. Your Maltese can pick up the disease from any place where there are many dogs, but they can also get it from exposure to just a single infected animal. Kennel cough often occurs following exposure at these most likely places: A kennel Your groomers A show Veterinarians or clinic Congregation of other dogs Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease affecting the respiratory system of dogs. It is influenced by various environmental factors, usually produced by a combination of bacterial and viral agents. Supplying your dog's veterinarian with an accurate history (vaccination status, recent stress, and especially recent activities) is essential in the diagnosis of kennel cough. The major sign of kennel cough is a spontaneous, dry, hacking cough that is easily induced. For example, simply walking the dog on a leash may cause a sudden fit of coughing. Owners may suspect that the dog has something caught in its throat, or that it is trying to vomit. You should observe your Maltese carefully so you may accurately report to your veterinarian how your dog is acting and what his symptoms are. Most cases of canine kennel cough will spontaneously resolve in 10 days to 3 weeks, but owners can make their dogs more comfortable by minimizing the coughing with a cough suppressant obtained from their veterinarian. The dog should definitely be seen by the veterinarian if the disease persists longer than 2 weeks or the animal begins to show systemic signs, that is, acts depressed, has a fever, has lost its appetite, is not drinking as much water as normal, or is just plain acting sick. Generally, 7 to 10 days is required after exposure to an infected animal before a dog develops the characteristic cough. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the disease is systemic, but their usefulness is questionable. To help prevent this disease rather than trying to deal with it once your Maltese has it would be through the routine use of vaccinations. Viral causes of kennel cough (such as distemper, adenoviruses, and parainfluenza virus), are covered by the "DHLPP" vaccination that all dogs should receive annually. The major bacterial agent associated with the disease, Bordetella Bronchiseptica, may be vaccinated against as well. Another preventative measure would be to have your veterinarian give your Maltese a booster against Bordetella seven to 10 days prior to a show or kenneling, and annual boosters if you feel your Maltese is at high exposure to other dogs. If you suspect your Maltese of having kennel cough he should be isolated from other dogs so that it cannot transmit the disease to healthy ones. However, since an infected dog will not begin coughing for approximately 7 days after it has picked up the disease, any dogs that come in contact with it during that time may already have picked up the disease and should be observed carefully for any signs of this disease.  .... back page Article taken from www.malteseonly.com