What you should know about canine cough

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Canine Cough (better known as kennel cough)

 

In an effort to minimize its impact in our facility and our community, we want to go over a few things.

The Bordetella Vaccine

This vaccine is like the human flu vaccine, the Bordetella vaccine is not 100% effective against all strains of the virus.  “Vaccinated dogs can still contract canine cough” We recommend you discuss vaccination/re-vaccination with your veterinarian.  Our policy if your dog needs the vaccine and has never had it:  please have it done a minimum of 14 days before they come to Itasca Dog Lodge.  If it is a booster, please have it done a minimum of 7-10 days before coming to Itasca Dog Lodge.   We also prefer the oral to be given over the nasal. 

About Canine Cough

Also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, caninel cough is an upper respiratory infection and is normally not a serious condition, it is a self-limiting disease which means it resolves on its own.  While it can sound horrible, most dogs can recover without any treatment.  Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of catching it and potentially developing a secondary infection/lower respiratory infection (such as pneumonia).

Symptoms

Most obvious is a honking or hacking cough. Often mistaken by owners as their dog having something stuck in their throat, or the sound they make pulling on a leash while walking.  Other symptoms include sneezing (not to be mistaken with reverse sneezing), runny nose, and/or eye discharge.

How We Handle Canine Cough at Itasca Dog Lodge

We take great pride in our efforts to clean and disinfect our entire facility using disinfectants in all areas.  We require all dogs that enter our facility whether at daycare, or boarding, to be current on bordetella, distemper, and rabies vaccination.  If we suspect a dog is coughing at our facility. The pet parent (s) are notified immediately, and this dog will be sent home to minimize the possibility of transmission throughout our facility.  However, once canine cough shows up in our community, it will show up everywhere dogs can interact with each other, including dog parks, veterinary offices, pet supply stores, groomers, training classes, etc. 

If Your Dog Has it

If you suspect your dog may have canine cough, please keep your dog home, and consult with their vet.  Infected or symptomatic dogs may not return for services for at least 14 days from symptom onset.  We understand this will be inconvenient, but this is necessary to help protect as many dogs as we can from exposure.

Itasca Dog Lodge thanks you for trusting us with the care of your furry friend(s) and for your understanding. 

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                                                                                                 *********NOTE*********

 

Besides canine cough, there are many other viruses are contagious.  Some of the virus strains- they do not have a vaccine for.  Unfortunately, how things spread happens like this:  a dog that appears healthy but…… could be carrying a virus.  They are asymptomatic and in result unknowingly spread their virus to other dogs. To avoid any sort of asymptomatic spread in our facility we would love if you tried to avoid areas where your dog could pick something up 10-14 days before coming into our facility.  Such as:  vet office visits, dog parks, grooming appointments, training classes, competitions or where there would be a chance for your dog to contract something.   These are just suggestions not requirements.  Thank you for doing your best to keep your dog and others here healthy.