Kennel Cough or the Latin name Bordatella, can come a-visiting anytime 2 dogs are together. Kennel Cough can show up at the vet's office, pet stores, kennels, neighborhood walks, apartment buildings, condo's, groomers, the park, and at doggie daycare. In fact its so common, and sometimes so mis-understood it deserves its own page! Kennel Cough is an upper respiratory illness, which is the same as the common cold is to us humans. And its just as "catchy" and uncomfortable as our common cold is to us.

Most healthy dogs will get over Kennel Cough all by themeself within 7-10 days. So why is it such a big deal?

Lets do some Q & A's.

Q. What is Kennel Cough?

A. An upper respiratory illness, a cold.

Q. What are the symptom's?

A.  A dry hacking cough, and/or a deep froggy cough producing white foamy mucous. Some listlessness. More severe when just waking up, after even mild exercise, and at bedtime.

Q. How did my dog get Kennel Cough?

A. Thats a tough question to answer. Kennel Cough is highly contagious, airborne virus, that can infect another dog 2-3 days BEFORE the dog with Kennel Cough shows any symptoms, and 2-3 days AFTER the symptoms disappear. So even a seemingly healthy, robust dog can spread the virus to others.

Q. What should I do if I suspect my dog has Kennel Cough?

A. A call to the vet is always wise. And encouraged. Expect a trip to the vet as well. Your vet's office will want to know you suspect Kennel Cough, and will instruct you on how to bring your pet in (they don't want your pet to be waiting in the waiting room, exposing other dogs). Keep your pet at home, and away from other dogs, limit exercise (even mild exercise triggers the coughing).

Q. Can there be complications from Kennel Cough?

A. YES. While most healthy dogs can get over Kennel Cough on their own, there is a risk the virus can weaken the immune system to the point an opportunist illness can occur. The most common, but rare, complication is pneumonia. Its is especially important to take your pet to the vet if your pet is a senior, has health problems, if symptoms worsen, or if the white foamy mucous turns yellow or green.

Q. What is the treatment for Kennel Cough?

A. Your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics (to prevent pneumonia) and a cough suppressant. And the joke is a Valium for you (the coughing is maddening for both you and you pet).

Q. How soon can my dog return to daycare?

A. The general rule of thumb is 15 days. This will ensure your pet does not infect the others at playgroup.

Q. Is there a vaccine to prevent Kennel Cough?

A. Well yes, and no. There is the Bordatella vaccine which is a requirement at most if not all daycares, including ours. However the vaccine (like all vaccines) is not 100% effective. The good news is there is a reduced chance of your pet picking up the virus by being vaccinated, and if infected, the vaccine may help to reduce the effects of Kennel Cough. In addition once your pet has Kennel Cough it dramatically reduces the chances of your pet getting Kennel Cough again in their lifetime. A yearly Bordatella vaccination is recommended and  required for daycare. In some cases its not uncommon to have a pet vaccinated every six months, your vet is the gold standard of your pets health so please check with them.

Q. My pet is on medication for Kennel Cough, I have a busy schedule, cant you just keep my pet away from the others, and let me bring my pet to daycare?

A. NO. As we have learned Kennel Cough is highly contagious 2-3 days before and after symptoms appear and disappear. Its unfair to other owners to expose their pets to the virus and incur a vet expense, it also can ruin our income if enough dogs come down with the virus and are staying home to recover. And most importantly its just not nice to expose another pet to the virus, and have them get sick.

Q. What precautions do you take at your daycare to avoid Kennel Cough?

A. We sanitized, and disinfect the daycare, and backyard routinely. We put plush toys through the washer weekly, we sanitize hard/plastic toys twice weekly. We wash, with soap and water, water bowls 3-4 times daily. We "air out" the daycare by providing fresh air to circulate in the daycare throughout the day.

If we see signs of Kennel Cough in any pet at daycare, the pet is taken upstairs away from daycare, and the owner is called.