What You Need to Know About Canine Cough
At High Halo Boarding Kennels, the health and well-being of your pets are our top priority. While we maintain a clean and safe environment, it is important for pet owners to be aware of canine cough—a contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs, especially in environments with multiple dogs.
What is Canine Cough?
Canine cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a contagious respiratory infection that causes symptoms like a cold. It can be contracted in places where multiple dogs are present, such as daycares, dog parks, boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, grooming salons, and even from a neighbor’s dog.
Causes:
Canine cough is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, most notably the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium and the Canine Parainfluenza virus. It is often spread through coughing, sneezing, and barking. Dogs can be carriers of canine cough and show no signs of infection.
Symptoms of Canine Cough
- Persistent dry cough
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Mild fever
- Loss of appetite (in some cases)
Most dogs with canine cough will still act normally, but the coughing can be loud and persistent. In most cases, it is mild and resolves within a few weeks. However, more severe cases can lead to pneumonia.
Prevention: The Bordetella Vaccine
One of the most effective ways to prevent canine cough is by ensuring that your pet is vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Bordetella Vaccine:
- Recommended for dogs who will be boarded, go to play yards, be groomed, or be around other dogs
- Administered as an injection, nasal spray, or oral vaccine (depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation)
- We require all dogs boarding at High Halo Boarding Kennels to receive the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months
- We recommend the Bordetella vaccine be administered at least 72 hours prior to a boarding stay, and two weeks prior for dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time
- Vaccination does not guarantee 100% prevention, but it greatly reduces the risk of infection.
- Canine Parainfluenza is a virus like the human flu. There is no antiviral treatment, but supportive care and treatment of secondary infections are important.
Please note: Even vaccinated dogs can still contract canine cough. Like the flu or common cold in humans, there are many variations of the virus. The vaccine covers some strains, but not all.
What We Do to Minimize Risk
- Vaccination Requirements: All dogs must be vaccinated against Bordetella within 6 months of boarding. Proof of vaccination is required prior to check-in.
- Separate Boarding Areas: We maintain separate areas to limit unnecessary contact between dogs.
- Cleaning Protocols: Our facilities are cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day, with extra attention to common areas.
- Isolation Protocols: Any dog showing symptoms will be isolated and monitored until picked up. Dogs showing signs prior to boarding will not be admitted.
Although we do everything within our power to maintain a clean and healthy environment, anywhere there are dogs, there is always the possibility of canine cough. Canine cough is airborne, which means it can still spread through the air—even in the cleanest environments. We take extra precautions to reduce exposure, but given the nature of boarding facilities, occasional cases occur.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Canine Cough
If your dog shows symptoms of canine cough after their stay, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. While contagious, most dogs recover fully with minimal intervention.
At High Halo, we work hard to reduce the risk of canine cough, but we do not cover veterinary bills related to it. Canine cough is a natural occurrence in environments where dogs are around each other, much like children catching colds at school. It’s part of life in a community of dogs, and it can happen even in the best environment.
Why Vaccination is Essential
We take every step to minimize the risk of canine cough at High Halo Boarding Kennels, but vaccination is the best defense to protect your pet and others. By vaccinating your dog, you not only protect them from this condition but also help prevent the spread of canine cough to other pets in the community.
Helpful Resources
- Cornell University – Risks of Kennel Cough
- AKC – Kennel Cough in Dogs
- Cornerstone Vet – Bordetella Vaccine
Your pet’s health and safety are our top priority.
If you have any questions about canine cough or our vaccination requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.