Kennel Cough... two words that no doggy daycare or dog owner want to hear. Unfortunately, it is a common thing that we likely all will have to deal with at one point or another so it's best that we are educated about this nuisance called Kennel Cough!
What Is It?
Kennel Cough, AKA, Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis; is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Kennel Cough is spread from one dog to another through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. The most common places that dogs can contract Kennel Cough are anywhere that multiple dogs gather such as; veterinary offices, dog parks, training classes, pet stores, and yes, doggy daycare. As contagious as it is, Kennel Cough is very treatable and does not pose serious risks for most dogs. Kennel Cough can be more severe though in puppies under six months and elder or already sick dogs with poor immune systems.
What Are Kennel Cough Symptoms?
Some signs and symptoms to be on the lookout when it comes to Kennel Cough are the following:
- Coughing or "Honking"
- Lethargy
- Sneezing and watery nasals
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Diarrhea
It is important to know when your dog isn't feeling well, keep track of abnormal behaviors as they may be clues to symptoms that can help you vet diagnose your pup. If you notice any of the above symptoms please notify your vet and keep your dog home as much as possible. These are symptoms of Kennel Cough, but other diseases and viruses have similar symptoms as well. Given that Kennel Cough is highly contagious Gemini Dogs asks that you keep your dog at home if you notice any symptoms and that you notify us as well if your dog is not feeling well and is diagnosed with any sickness.
How Is Kennel Cough Treated?
Kennel Cough is often not a serious diagnosis and is treated by letting your dog rest and relax for about two weeks at home (away from other dogs to prevent spreading it) with good hydration, nutrition, and extra love. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe cough medicine and antibiotics to ease the symptoms and prevent the disease from coming back. If your dog hasn't already received their Kennel Cough Vaccine (AKA: Bordetella Vaccine), we urge you to have them vaccinated. The vaccine is not a definite protection from the disease, but it will help reduce the chances of your dog contracting Kennel Cough.
Kennel Cough at Doggy Daycare!
Here at Gemini, we pride our selves on the safety and care we provide for your dogs. When we are notified by parents or vets of dogs with ill symptoms we double up on our cleaning methods and sanitize our entire facility twice as much as we regularly do to help reduce the chances of it spreading. The surest way we can keep any contagious sickness from spreading though is for the ill pups to stay home and get better.
If we see that your dog is not feeling well or showing any abnormal symptoms, we will notify you immediately and move your dog to a quiet space away from the other dogs in our care.