Rethinking Kennel Cough: The Future of Rapid Animal Diagnostics

Written By paula walker

If you’ve ever tried to book a boarding stay for your dog, you know the scenario: you're planning your trip, you're excited, and then you get the call. Your pet needs a booster vaccination for Bordetella—even if they were vaccinated recently. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and often leaves pet owners and boarding facilities at odds.

But why does this happen? And more importantly, is there a better way?

The Kennel Cough Complexity

Kennel Cough (or Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex - CIRDC) is incredibly infectious and highly stressful for both dogs and owners. While Bordetella is a common culprit, it is far from the only one. Kennel Cough can be caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses, often acting in concert. 

The traditional "boost and wait" approach, while well-intentioned, often falls short because it targets only one potential cause. Meanwhile, your dog might be perfectly healthy, but simply due to the limitations of current diagnostic speed, they are sidelined.

The "COVID Test" Revolution for Pets

Imagine a world where boarding facilities and veterinary clinics could administer a test—similar to the rapid tests we use for humans—that detects multiple organisms in a single, streamlined process. 

With a multiplex diagnostic test, we can:

  • Reduce Tension: Facilities can make informed decisions based on real-time health data rather than relying solely on vaccination history.

  • Improve Patient Care: Veterinarians can provide targeted treatment the same day, rather than waiting days for lab results.

  • Enhance Safety: Facilities can screen incoming dogs more effectively, isolating only those who truly pose a risk while giving the green light to those who don't.

The Road Ahead

At ControlPoint, we are building exactly this solution. Our goal is to bring rapid, multiplex lateral flow technology to the examination room and beyond. By providing same-day results, we aim to transform the kennel cough experience—reducing antibiotic misuse, accelerating recovery, and letting pet parents travel with peace of mind.

The future of animal health is fast, accurate, and accessible. Let’s keep kennel cough at bay, together.

paula walker