Make Sure Your Dog Is up-to-Date On Their Vaccinations – Vaccinations are the most cost-effective and safest way to prevent diseases from spreading. Places where dogs are in close proximity to one another, such as a boarding facility, are at a higher risk of having an outbreak.
DAPP (a.k.a. DHPP) Vaccine This combination vaccine protects dogs against Distemper, Adenovirus type 1 (Hepatitis), Adenovirus type 2 (respiratory), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. After the initial series, your dog will still need periodic boosters, with the frequency being determined by your veterinarian and based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and other risk factors. If your dog is due for a booster, it should ideally be done at least 3 weeks before their stay at a kennel to allow them to build up the best immunity prior to boarding. Rabies Vaccine The rabies vaccine is mandated by state laws and required every 1 or 3 years, depending on your location. Leptospirosis Vaccine The lepto vaccine helps protect dogs from leptospirosis, This bacterial infection can destroy the kidneys and/or liver. It’s sometimes given in conjunction with the DAPP vaccine, but can also be given on its own. Yearly boosters are then necessary to ensure the best level of protection. Bordetella (Sometimes Called Canine Kennel Cough) Vaccine The Bordetella vaccine is very important when your dog is being boarded or attends doggie daycare. The vaccine needs to be given at least one week before their stay and boarding facilities require this vaccine to be given once a year at minimum (but some require a 6-month vaccine schedule because of the prevalence of Bordetella). Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu) Vaccine For dogs that are often around other dogs (such as at boarding kennels, dog shows, or daycare), protecting them against canine influenza (CIV) is very important. Infection rates are high for dogs that are exposed to the virus and dogs can get very sick from CIV. After the initial series, your dog should receive this vaccine every year, and it ideally needs to be completed at least 2 weeks prior to being boarded.
Do dogs need kennel cough vaccine for boarding?
While most healthy dogs can recover without help, dogs who catch kennel cough can be unwell for several weeks, and also pass on the infection to other dogs. As kennel cough spreads so rapidly, a vaccination is available to help protect your dog against these nasty signs. Book a vaccination appointment Did you know that canine infectious tracheobronchitis is a respiratory infection that can be caused by a number of bacteria and viruses, not just one? The signs and treatment are the same in the vast majority of cases, whichever bacteria or virus is the culprit, so usually these are all grouped together as one condition.
- All of the viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough are airborne and highly infectious, and can be spread by being close to infected dogs, or sharing items such as toys or bowls.
- As you can imagine it’s very contagious, and easy to pick up wherever an infected dog is or has been! This means the name ‘kennel cough’ can be misleading as, although it can spread rapidly in situations with lots of dogs such as boarding kennels, any dog in contact with an infected dog can contract the illness.
The main sign of infectious tracheobronchitis is a forceful hacking cough, which may sound like retching, or trying to clear something stuck in the throat. This cough can last for many weeks! Infectious tracheobronchitis may go away on its own if your dog’s immune system is able to fight off the condition, but some dogs need prescription medication to help them recover.
- It is best to get your dog checked out by your vet at the first signs of coughing as not only will they be posing an infection risk to other dogs, but the longer the condition persists, the higher the chance of more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
- Please let your vet know when you book your appointment that you are worried about kennel cough, as they will most likely ask you to wait outside before being seen.
There are also other, more serious causes of coughing, so any coughing dog should be checked over. Having kennel cough does not, sadly, provide future immunity. Just like the flu in humans, there are lots of strains of kennel cough, and this means that dogs can pick up this disease multiple times throughout their lives.
You can minimise the chance of your dog contracting infectious tracheobronchitis by having your dog vaccinated. This vaccination is given by a squirt up the nose, not an injection! This gets the immunity right where it is needed. Although the vaccination does a great job of reducing the risk of infection, it doesn’t completely prevent your dog picking up kennel cough as there are so many different pathogens that can cause it.
In most cases however, if your dog does pick up kennel cough despite the vaccination, the signs are much milder than they would have been otherwise, and recovery time is shorter. It is important to note that your standard yearly booster does not protect against infectious bronchitis/kennel cough, so you’ll need to make sure you get this for your dog as well as their standard annual injection.
- Both can be done at the same time, so you don’t have to make an extra trip, and each kennel cough vaccination lasts a year.
- Ennel cough vaccination is not a ‘core’ vaccination, as it is rare that a dog becomes very unwell.
- However, because of the rapid spread, many places where dogs gather such as kennels, groomers and doggy daycares require attending dogs to have the vaccination.
It’s also a sensible precaution anyway – the only other way to protect your dog from kennel cough is to keep them inside and away from all other dogs, which would be very sad for you both! Having the vaccination is a quick and effective way to give your dog as much protection as you can from infectious tracheobronchitis.
Is it OK to put your dog in kennels?
A kennel can be a scary place for some dogs and is known to cause signs of stress. It is preferable to use alternatives whenever possible, but if you must use a kennel be sure to ask questions and make an unannounced visit to see how the dogs are being treated.
What happens if my dog gets kennel cough while boarding?
In many cases, kennel cough goes away on its own after a while. Many pets recover from kennel cough with no treatment at all. However, because kennel cough is contagious, you’ll want to keep your pet away from other animals while it has kennel cough.
Do all dogs get kennel cough vaccine?
Do I Need to Vaccinate my Dog for Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is the common term for infectious tracheobronchitis, a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It’s also referred to as Bordetella, because Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common type of bacteria that causes canine kennel cough, and the vaccine to prevent kennel cough is referred to as the Bordetella vaccine.
What is kennel cough? Canine tracheobronchitis is a disease that inflames a dog’s upper respiratory system. It actually refers collectively to several types of contagious respiratory infections. The inflammation causes a distinctive, loud, honking cough, as well as a runny nose, lethargy, and possibly fever.
It is usually not fatal, but young puppies, older dogs, and any dogs with a compromised immune system are more at risk.
The bacteria and viruses that cause kennel cough are spread in the same way humans spread the flu: through droplets in the air (sneezing and breathing), direct contact, or touching contaminated surfaces (like food bowls or toys). Are all dogs at risk for kennel cough? Kennel cough is caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses that spread from dog to dog, so it most often affects dogs who are regularly boarded or groomed, visit dog parks, attend dog shows, go to training, or otherwise spend time near other dogs. Does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?
The Bordetella vaccine can prevent kennel cough. It is administered by vets as a squirt in the nose. Not all dogs need this vaccine, but we recommend it for social dogs and any dogs who will be boarded (most boarding facilities require proof of a recent Bordetella vaccine).
Additionally, dogs with weaker immune systems (including senior dogs and young puppies) should get the vaccine. Do I need to see a vet for kennel cough? The symptoms of kennel cough are similar to many other respiratory diseases. It’s important to visit the vet if your dog is displaying these symptoms.
Once a proper diagnosis is made, kennel cough is usually treated with rest and sometimes antibiotics (to prevent or treat secondary infections). If you have questions about Bordetella, any other vaccines or if you’re concerned about your dog’s health, with our veterinarians in Woodruff today.
Do you need kennel cough for kennels?
It is important to know that many kennels, dog walkers, groomers and dog shows will not allow dogs who have not been vaccinated against kennel cough onto their premises or to use their services.
Can my dog meet other dogs after kennel cough vaccine?
Kennel Cough Vaccination – planning ahead Whether it’s the UK or abroad and whether you take your pet with you or not, your holidays this year may impact on your pets. We advise you plan ahead for kennel/cattery stays, to ensure your pets’ vaccinations are adequate and in date. 
In dogs, Bordetella Bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza (also known as Kennel Cough) are responsible for this highly infectious and easily spread disease. It is spread amongst dogs, especially where there are many dogs in one place such as in kennels or at dog shows, even at the park or in your own back garden! Kennel cough is spread easily from dog to dog.
- Each cough produces minute droplets containing the bacterium and virus.
- Once in the air the droplets are inhaled by the next dog and so the infection is passed on.
- The incubation period for Kennel Cough is approximately 10 days however, the disease can still be spread for a number of weeks after the infected animal has stopped coughing.
By vaccinating against Bordetella and Parainfuenza (Kennel Cough), you will help your dog avoid sneezing, coughing, painful retching and as a result sometimes vomiting, reduced appetite and nasal discharge. Severe Kennel Cough in puppies or older dogs could cause pneumonia if left untreated and in some cases this could be fatal.
When vaccinating your dog against Kennel Cough we recommend you also note the following: • Your dog is not fully protected from Bordetella until 72 hours after the KC booster vaccine has been given. • Always check with your kennels first as some may have restrictions and may request e.g. a six week period after the vaccine has been given, before allowing them in.
• Kennel Cough vaccinated dogs can shed the vaccine strain of Kennel Cough for several weeks. Some studies show up to 6 weeks. (Kennel Cough is a live vaccine). Immunocompromised individuals can be at risk e.g. pregnant or on chemotherapy. : Kennel Cough Vaccination – planning ahead
Can a dog survive Leptospirosis?
Outcome – Leptospirosis is responsive to antibiotics and complete recovery is possible, but some dogs that survive may be left with chronic kidney or liver disease. Some dogs may not survive if the infection has caused significant organ damage or severely affected the ability of blood to form clots. Dogs with respiratory issues may be less likely to survive.
Will my dog be OK in kennels for a week?
Make their first stay short – Although you may not have a choice regarding how long your pooch needs to stay in kennels, it’s usually best to make the first stay relatively short. If you can, ensure it’s no longer than a week or so. A longer stretch in kennels can make it more difficult the next time in some cases.
Why is my dog sad after boarding?
Separation Anxiety – If you find that your dog is extra clingy after being boarded, it may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is common amongst many dog breeds and can worsen when you leave, or their routines are changed. Common signs of separation anxiety include whining or barking when left alone, excessive drooling, and destructive behavior.
Is it common for dogs to get sick after boarding?
It’s not uncommon for a dog to develop an upset after boarding. When you pick up your dog from the facility, you may notice your dog is happy to be back home but soon vomits or develops diarrhea. What’s going on? Was your dog given unsanitary water to drink? Did your dog catch an illness from other dogs? Was your dog stressed out? There may be different possible explanations for a dog developing an upset stomach after boarding.
Why are dogs so tired after being boarded?
3. My pet seems lethargic and is sleeping more than normal. Why is he so tired? – Boarding services are dedicated to ensuring that animals left in their care are kept active and entertained as much as possible. This helps to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated, which can prevent undesirable behaviors such as chewing or scratching from developing.
Is it worth getting kennel cough vaccine?
Conclusion – There are many good reasons to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough. This vaccination is usually cost-effective too. You may even find it’s included in many vet practice’s pet health care plans. You will need to decide whether it’s right for your pet, depending on their individual risk factors.
Do you need kennel cough for kennels?
It is important to know that many kennels, dog walkers, groomers and dog shows will not allow dogs who have not been vaccinated against kennel cough onto their premises or to use their services.
How do you prevent kennel cough when boarding?
How To Prevent The Spread Of Kennel Cough – The first step for preventing an outbreak in your facility is taking appropriate measures to ensure your kennel is inhospitable for the Bordatella bacterium. Here are a few tips for how you can make that happen:
Keep your space well-ventilated – Kennel cough is transmitted through the air, so having adequate ventilation can work wonders. Don’t overcrowd your facilities – Less is absolutely more when it comes to ensuring the safety of your furry guests. Make sure the dogs have separate spaces to play, eat, and nap. Having dedicated areas rather than a single open concept floorplan reduces the stress or overwhelm the dogs may have while also keeping them safe from a viral outbreak. Feel free to contact us at Horizon Structures with your space requirements, as we may be able to give customized recommendations for how you can optimize your kennel space. Require bordetella vaccines for all dogs entering your kennel – Bordatella vaccines are readily available at most veterinary offices and aren’t very expensive. Requiring this vaccine for your borders may not prevent an outbreak completely but will vastly reduce the severity of the infections and keep the dogs safe.
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