Can I Board My Dog With Kennel Cough? Expert Advice on the Pros and Cons
Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, and can lead to serious illness in some cases. While there are treatments available for kennel cough, it is important to know if boarding your dog with kennel cough is possible or not.
In general, it is not recommended to board any dog with an active case of kennel cough as the disease can spread quickly in a kennel setting. Instead, it is best to wait until the dog has recovered from the infection before boarding them. However, some kennels may have policies in place regarding dogs with kennel cough, so it’s important to inquire before bringing your pet in for boarding.
In addition, if you do decide to board your dog with kennel cough, make sure you provide the necessary paperwork from your veterinarian including vaccination records and a signed statement that your dog has been treated and cleared for boarding by a licensed veterinarian. This will help ensure the safety of other dogs in the facility and reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough is an umbrella term for a group of respiratory infections that can affect dogs. It is highly contagious and is typically spread through contact with an infected dog’s saliva or nasal discharge. While it is not life-threatening, it can cause severe discomfort for your pup and should be treated as soon as possible. Risk factors for Kennel Cough include overcrowding, poor ventilation, and contact with other sick animals. Symptoms of Kennel Cough include a dry hacking cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Treatment Options for Kennel Cough
The treatment options for Kennel Cough depend on the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help fight the infection and reduce symptoms. Home remedies such as steam inhalation can also be used to help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing episodes. Vaccines may be recommended in some cases to help prevent future infections.
When to Board a Dog with Kennel Cough
The decision to board a dog with Kennel Cough should only be done on the advice of your veterinarian. In most cases, it is best to wait until the infection has cleared up before boarding your pup. If the infection is mild and not causing extreme discomfort, it may be safe to board your pup as long as other dogs at the facility have been vaccinated against Kennel Cough and proper hygiene practices are followed by staff members.
What to Look Out For When Choosing a Boarding Kennel for Dogs with Kennel Cough
When choosing a boarding kennel for your pup, you should make sure that they have strict guidelines in place regarding hygiene practices and medical care facilities available onsite in case of an emergency or outbreak of illness among the dogs in their care. Cleanliness should always be top priority when selecting a kennel, as this will help reduce the spread of any type of contagious illnesses among the dogs in their care.
Precautionary Measures for Dogs With Kennel Cough
In order to protect other pets from getting infected with Kennel Cough, owners should take preventive measures such as isolating their pet from other dogs until they have fully recovered from their illness. Following up with your veterinarian after treatment is also important to ensure that all symptoms have cleared up completely and that there are no further complications arising from the illness. Vaccinations can also help prevent future outbreaks of this type of respiratory infection.
Can I Board My Dog With Kennel Cough?
Boarding your dog when they have kennel cough can be a tricky decision. The risk of complications and potential for exacerbation of symptoms makes it a difficult choice. However, with proper care and attention, it is possible to board your pup with kennel cough. Before boarding your dog with kennel cough, there are a few key considerations you need to keep in mind.
Key Considerations Before Boarding a Dog With Kennel Cough
It is important to consider the duration of the stay, as well as the cost associated with boarding a dog with kennel cough. You should also take the time to research reputable boarders who have experience dealing with dogs that have this condition. It is essential that you find a boarder who has experience in providing proper care for dogs that have kennel cough.
Potential Complications Associated With Boarding a Dog With Kennel Cough
When boarding your pup with kennel cough, there are potential complications that may arise. These could include difficulty in breathing, exacerbation of symptoms, or even secondary infections due to exposure to other infected animals or environments. It is important to make sure you discuss these risks and any potential treatments or precautions with your veterinarian prior to boarding your pup.
How To Take Care Of Your Dog After It Has Been Boarded With Kennel Cough
Once you have boarded your pup with kennel cough, it is important to provide them with ample rest and comfort while they heal from the condition. This can include providing comfortable bedding and plenty of space for them to move around without being disturbed by other animals or people. Additionally, it is important to follow up visits with your veterinarian in order to monitor the progress of their condition and ensure proper treatment has been administered. Good nutrition should also be maintained in order for your pup’s body to fight off infection and heal from the illness more quickly.
How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Getting Kennel Cough?
Preventative measures should always be taken when it comes to protecting your pup from getting kennel cough or any other illness associated with exposure at an animal boarding facility or daycare center. Make sure they are current on their vaccines and practice good hygiene practices at all times when bringing them around other animals or people who may be carrying the disease-causing bacteria or viruses. Additionally, consider having them wear protective clothing such as booties while visiting places like parks where they may come into contact with contaminated soil or grasses where infected animals may have been previously present.
What Are The Alternatives To Boarding A Dog With Kennel Cough?
If you are not comfortable boarding your pup while they have kennel cough, there are alternatives available for caring for them during this time period such as hiring professional pet sitters or asking family members or friends for help watching over them while they recover from their illness at home. Additionally, some pet-friendly hotels offer special accommodations for sick pets so if you need to travel during this time period, you can look into these options as well in order to ensure that your pup remains safe and comfortable while still receiving treatment from their veterinarian if necessary during this time period
FAQ & Answers
Q: What are the causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs?
A: Kennel cough is usually caused by an infection of bacteria and viruses, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus. It can also be caused by environmental irritants such as dust, smoke, pollen, or other air pollutants.
Q: What treatment options are available for Kennel Cough?
A: Treatment for Kennel Cough typically includes antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection, home remedies such as steam inhalation to help reduce congestion, and vaccines to help prevent future infections.
Q: When should I board my dog with Kennel Cough?
A: It is best to consult your vet before boarding your dog with Kennel Cough. They will assess the severity of the case and advise you on whether or not it is safe to board your pet.
Q: What should I look out for when choosing a boarding kennel for my dog with Kennel Cough?
A: When choosing a boarding kennel for your dog with Kennel Cough, it is important to ensure that the facility has high standards of cleanliness and hygiene protocols in place. Additionally, make sure that they have adequate medical care and facilities available should your pet require any additional care while boarding.
Q: What precautionary measures should I take when my dog has Kennel Cough?
A: It is important to isolate your pet from other dogs while they are suffering from Kennel Cough in order to prevent the spread of the infection. You should also follow up with your vet regularly during this period and keep them informed about any changes in symptoms.
In conclusion, while it may be possible to board your dog with kennel cough, it is not recommended due to the risk of spreading the disease to other dogs. If you do choose to board your dog with kennel cough, it is important to ensure that your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and that you take steps to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, it is important to discuss the situation with a qualified veterinarian before making a final decision.
