Plan before you board your dog!
Are you planning to board your dog at a kennel over the holidays? One of the most important preparations you can make prior to leaving your pooch behind is to ensure that he or she is properly vaccinated. Of course they have had the core vaccinations – Rabies, Distemper, & Lyme – recommended by Drs. Lambert & Blakeslee, but that’s not all they need!
What is kennel cough?
Any responsible kenneling facility should require that your dog be vaccinated for Bordetella, or “kennel cough”, prior to boarding. Both a viral and bacterial infection, Bordetella is spread through the air or contaminated objects. Facilities, like kennels, where dogs are in close quarters and sharing toys during playtime, provide prime locations for your dog to contract Bordetella. A dry, loud cough is the primary sign that your dog has Bordetella, and the infected pup might cough up phlegm, become feverish, or start to have nasal discharge. More facts about Bordetella can be found by visiting our articles section.
What is Canine Influenza?
Increasingly, kenneling facilities are asking owners to have their dogs vaccinated for the canine H3N8 influenza virus prior to their stays. As instances of the “dog flu” have occurred in Connecticut, Dr. Lambert strongly recommends that this vaccine be given prior to your dog being put in the kennel. Canine influenza is contagious before dogs show clinical signs, and it can be spread by coughing, sneezing, touching noses, sharing toys, and other activities a dog will likely engage in while being boarded. The symptoms include a fever, decreased appetite, cough, runny nose, and lethargy. QVVH can provide you with more information on canine influenza in our articles section, and we suggest you check out this video about Mutt Damon’s experience with having doggy flu!
How can you prevent your dog from getting sick?
The best way to prevent both Bordetella and Canine Influenza is to vaccinate. Your dog may need a series of boosters to be adequately protected, and vaccines are more effective if given several weeks prior to kenneling. Please protect your dog and schedule an appointment online or by calling 860-774-7650 today!
