DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Veterinarians in Des Moines have confirmed several cases of kennel cough in dogs in the region. Des Moines television station KCCI reports that vets have seen a recent increase in the cases of the virus, commonly spread at dog kennels, parks, pet boarding businesses and grooming centers. The disease isn’t life-threatening, but causes inflammation of the windpipe and voice box, and the accompanying cough can last several weeks.

Veterinarian Dennis Woodriff says the Bordetella vaccine can reduce the risk of getting the illness, but “with so many strains, even vaccinated dogs can catch the highly contagious cough.”