Tips for Controlling Kennel Cough

Just like children getting sick the first time they attend school or daycare, dogs experience similar issues when they begin boarding or going to doggy daycare. Why? Because their immune system needs building, too. Today, we’re going to discuss the realities of kennel cough in dogs and what steps pet owners can take toward controlling kennel cough.

What is Kennel Cough?

According to the American Kennel Club, “Kennel Cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large amounts of canines congregate, such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows.”

Despite constant disinfection, even the best dog care facilities experience cases of kennel cough. Dogs who aren’t socialized have not built an immunity to it. Even immuno compromised dogs like puppies are more likely to contract kennel cough. Thankfully, it’s an easily treatable illness and most dogs recover with an even stronger immune system. Mild cases of kennel cough are treated with rest and possibly antibiotics.

Dogs with kennel cough exhibit the following symptoms:

• A dry, hacking cough (sounds a lot like “honking”)
• Coughing fits that cause dog to gag and vomit
• Lethargy
• Trouble Sleeping
• Runny Nose
• Runny eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Sticky saliva
• Low Fever
• Sneezing
• Appetite Loss

How Does Kennel Cough Spread?

Kennel cough spreads from one to another by way of direct contact (licking and touching), contacting contaminated surfaces (food or water bowls), and airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Most cases are caused by the Bordetella bacterium but may also be caused by other known viruses such as canine adenovirus type 2, canine respiratory coronavirus, mycoplasmas, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine parainfluenza virus.

If one of your dogs becomes ill, the vet will suggest they be isolated for two weeks after the last cough. At home, you should disinfect your dog’s bowls, toys and bedding. As a pet caretaker, you can spread the illness from dog to dog through touch. So, if you have multiple pets, you need to wash your hands if you come in contact with your sick dog before touching a non-sick pet.

What You Can do to Protect Your Dog and Treat Kennel Cough

 

Vaccinate

Your vet will suggest Bordetella vaccines every six months to one year. However, this vaccine doesn’t prevent every cause of kennel cough. The only real way controlling kennel cough is possible is by completely isolating your dog. Of course, that’s not feasible or reasonable. This is just the reality of having lots of dogs together in one place. That should not discourage you from boarding your dog.

Allow Time for Immune Systems to Build

At K9U, our advice to dog owners is that if your dog has never visited a boarding facility before, it’s a good idea to have them visit daycare a few times to build their immune system prior to overnight boarding or attending a board & train program. This goes a long way in giving your dog the antibodies they need to fight of kennel cough, a common respiratory illness in dogs.

Find a Kennel that Prioritizes Cleanliness

This is crucial. At K9U, we take cleanliness seriously. Our facility is regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent any viruses or bacteria that find their way in. Our ventilation system circulates and filters air, too.

Controlling Kennel Cough in Puppies

Important to note, puppies are always at a greater risk for getting respiratory illnesses. Their immune system just isn’t developed enough. We suggest starting them in the puppy training course to get them some safe exposure. As their immune system builds and they get all their vaccines, they will have a great time in our boarding or train and board program.

Another Illness to Watch for During the Winter Season

Giardia is common illness caused by protozoan parasites. It infects the gastro-intestinal tracts of dogs and other mammals. Dogs get giardia by coming into contact with contaminated food or feces. We suggest fecal tests every six months to make sure your dog doesn’t have giardia. These are the symptoms of giardia:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Vomiting
• Dehydrations
• Loss of coat luster

If you think your dog may be suffering from a respiratory illness or giardia, please schedule a visit with your veterinarian, and avoid contact with other dogs until your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/controlling-kennel-cough/

What to Look for in a Dog Boarding Kennel this Holiday Season

Before you entrust your dog’s overnight care to a dog boarding kennel, it’s important to thoroughly vet the location and staff. A great dog boarder will offer a variety of services and the ability to support your dog’s particular needs. That gives you peace of mind when traveling.

Here are some questions to ask when searching for the right boarder for your dog:

 

Is the dog boarding kennel clean?

Great dog boarder will offer a variety of services. You should visit any boarding facility, or kennel, before you commit it sending your dog there for an overnight stay. Call and ask for a tour. Any professional facility will expect a tour and allow you to ask any questions you have. Look around and check for cleanliness. Does the space look clean and smell clean? Are there signs of dog accidents that haven’t been cleaned up? There should be no trash or choking hazards around for dogs to get into.

Is there access to water?

There should be free and constant access to water for dogs. Dogs might be excited or stressed and that may lead to excessive drooling and thirst. Also, if there’s open play time, dogs will need hydration due to the exercise. There should always be water bowls accessible.

Is the dog boarding facility secure?

Doors, low walls, garage doors and any other ways dogs might escape need to be secure. In addition to that, security cameras add a layer of safety. For instance, K9U has cameras installed throughout our facility to confirm the safety of our pets.

Also, visitors to the facility should not have access to dogs without a staff escort. This discourages accidents and makes sure only trained individuals interact with your dog.

Does the dog boarding kennel offer other services?

A full-service kennel will have add-on services to provide extra comfort and care for your dog. Here are some examples:

• Dog Shuttle: This pick up and drop off service is ideal for busy individuals or families. A transportation service gives you flexibility when you don’t have time to get to the kennel.
• Training: Since your dog is already at a facility with highly trained dog care, it’s a great idea to couple boarding with training. Whether you have a puppy in need of obedience training or a dog that needs specialized behavioral interventions, consider a doggy bootcamp.
• Dog Social Rehab: For dogs that struggle to play and socialize with other dogs, dog social rehab is specialized care by qualified trainers. Your dog is grouped with dogs that complement their play style.
• Agility Training: For dogs that need extra exercise and stimulation, agility training is one way to challenge them. Tunnels, hoops, hurdles, weave poles and more create an exciting environment for your pet.

Do dogs get to socialize together?

Dogs shouldn’t spend all their time away from you secluded in a cage. This is stressful for dogs; they are social creatures. Therefore, social time should be scheduled into your dog’s boarding stay. Ideally, most of their waking hours should be spent playing and socializing.

Are vaccinations required for dog boarding?

A big red flag is a kennel that doesn’t require vaccinations. With so many dogs in one place, viruses are easily transmitted from one dog to another, putting your dog at risk. To mitigate that risk, vaccinations are critical. All kennels should require the following vaccines: Distemper, Parvo, Bordetella, Rabies, and H3N2. The kennel will require that your dog’s veterinarian submit updated vaccination records via email or fax.

Is there overnight staff?

In many kennels, there are no staff available overnight. A professional dog boarding facility will employ 24-hour care. At K9U, there is always someone on staff to look after the dogs entrusted to our care.

Look for a Team You Can Trust

It all comes down to finding a dog boarding kennel and team you can trust. At K9U, we take your dog’s safety and comfort seriously. We’re available every day of the year with daily indoor and outdoor play, comfortable “condo” kennels and so much more. Book online or call our office at (773) 533-5959 to take a tour of our facility.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/dog-coat-care-k9u/