How do I prevent my dog from getting kennel cough?
Vaccinating your dog with the Bordetella vaccine will help reduce the risk. However, your dog can still contract kennel cough even if he or she has been vaccinated. There are many strains and mutations of the virus. The Bordetella vaccine is similar to the “flu shot” for people; each year, a vaccine is developed based on which strains are suspected to be most prevalent. Simply put, when your dog has a Bordetella vaccination, it doesn’t guarantee he or she will not get kennel cough. A strong immune system is the best defense against infection. This is why puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contracting kennel cough.
What precautions does Puppy Haven take to reduce the risk of kennel cough?
We require and strictly enforce that all dogs at Puppy Haven are current on their vaccines, including the Bordetella vaccine. We also adhere to strict cleaning procedures, including daily cleaning of all surfaces with dog-friendly disinfectant, nightly scrub-downs, and regular deep cleans. Although our team is not trained to diagnose kennel cough, we are trained to identify the symptoms and are as cautious and preventative as possible. If we observe a dog presenting kennel cough symptoms, they are isolated immediately to prevent further exposure to other dogs and a vet and the owner are contacted. While similar symptoms can result from things like allergies or eating a bone or toy that might irritate a dog’s throat, Puppy Haven must treat all cases with the assumption that it might be kennel cough until cleared by a vet.
What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
The most common symptom of kennel cough is coughing or hacking. Other symptoms include sneezing, running nose, eye discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite and sometimes fever.
What do I do if think my dog is exhibiting any symptoms of kennel cough?
If your dog is exhibiting any symptoms of kennel cough, take them to vet immediately and keep them away from other dogs, including daycare and boarding, for at least 14 days. This is generally how long it takes for a dog to completely shed the virus from their system and no longer be contagious to other dogs.