🐾 Introduction

Bordetella infections don’t look the same in every animal. This guide breaks down species-specific signs of illness so you can identify problems early and act accordingly.

🐶 Dogs (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease)

Common symptoms:
- Harsh, honking cough (often dry)
- Gagging or retching (especially after activity)
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- Nasal discharge
- Occasional lethargy or appetite loss

When to see a vet:
- Cough persists > 7 days
- Green/yellow discharge appears
- Puppy or senior dog affected

Special note: Dogs can shed B. bronchiseptica even after symptoms resolve.

🐱 Cats

Common symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Conjunctivitis (runny, irritated eyes)
- Nasal discharge (clear or slightly cloudy)
- Occasional coughing (less than dogs)

At-risk populations:
- Shelter cats
- Kittens under 6 months
- Multi-cat households

Note: Cats often carry B. bronchiseptica with few symptoms—making them stealth transmitters.

🐰 Rabbits

Common symptoms:
- Nasal discharge (“snuffles”)
- Repetitive sneezing
- Eye discharge
- Breathing difficulty (in severe cases)
- Lethargy or anorexia

Why it’s tricky: Rabbits are prey animals—they hide illness. Check for crusty noses or reduced grooming.

Complications: May lead to pneumonia or chronic rhinitis if untreated.

🐖 Swine (Pigs)

Common symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Slowed weight gain
- Dry or productive cough (varies with co-infection)

Notable disease:
- Atrophic rhinitis, where B. bronchiseptica damages nasal turbinates

Management tip: Combined vaccination (with Pasteurella multocida) is standard in commercial settings.

🧑 Humans

Causative agent: Bordetella pertussis (not bronchiseptica)

Classic symptoms (by stage):
1. Catarrhal stage (1–2 weeks): Mild cough, runny nose, low-grade fever
2. Paroxysmal stage (1–6 weeks):
- Severe coughing fits
- “Whoop” sound on inhale
- Post-cough vomiting
3. Convalescent stage (weeks–months): Gradual improvement, residual cough

At-risk groups:
- Infants under 6 months
- Pregnant people
- Unvaccinated adolescents/adults

Complications:
- Pneumonia
- Rib fractures (from coughing)
- Death in infants (due to apnea or seizures)

🔄 Comparative Snapshot

🧭 What to Do Next

If your animal is showing signs listed above, check out:

• 👉 Vaccines & Prevention Guide
  
• 👉 Dosage Calculator Tool
  
• 👉 Contact a vet near you
  

Early detection saves lives. Bookmark this page for future reference.