Why the Bordetella vaccination is necessary for your dog...

Dogs get coughs for a variety of reasons. Some coughs can be serious and related to an underlying health problem. Canine cough is also called Bordetellosis, Infectious Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough. Your dog may or may not ever experience this cough.

Canine cough is a dry hacking cough that sounds like they need to clear their throat.  Walking or exercise can also trigger the cough.  Some dogs will cough up clear phlegm. The dog's general health is unaffected with no rise in temperature and no loses of appetite.  The cough can last 7-20 days and can be more annoying to the owner than the dog.

Many infectious agents cause the cough. The cough is spread just like a cold it's airborne. Once inhaled the organism attaches to the lining of the trachea and bronchial passages. This infection is transmitted when dogs are together in an area as a kennel, dog shows, community dog-parks, grooming shop as well as just from passing other dogs while walking.

In the most clean and well-ventilated kennels the possibility is there. You may have an infected dog that comes in contact with your dog that did not show symptoms, yet is a carrier and can bring it into a facility.  Many dogs with a high protective immunity level or exposed allot to other dogs may never get it. Most dogs will display minor signs of coughing lasting 7-10 days and may not need any medication. Your vet may order an antibiotic or a cough suppressant if the cough is severe. A moist warm shower with allot of humidity will also help ease the cough. If your dog gets it, isolate your dog from other dogs until it subsides.

Prevention is the key. Some dogs may not get it; others who immune system is weak may get repeated cases. The Bordetella vaccine is one way of prevention. The injectable vaccine must be given 7-10 days prior to boarding it you are not boostering the vaccine. Then every 6 months a Bordetella booster shot is required at our facility. Another way to help keep the spread of canine cough down in our kennel is good ventilation with air cleaners and ceiling fans to keep the air moving.

Ask your vet about Bordetella and remember to get all their vaccines as recommended.

Canine Influenza has also been in the news lately and many dog owners in Utah may be concerned about the health of their pets.
Like influenza in humans, Canine flu can spread quickly, and can cause serious problems in dogs.
Veterinarians tell us Canine flu has not been detected in Utah since it was first detected a few years ago. However, neighboring states such as Colorado and Wyoming have confirmed cases.
Canine flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever and a runny nose.
Humans can’t get the virus, however it can quickly spread between other dogs.
Vets will use a diagnostic test to determine whether the dog indeed has the flu because symptoms of Canine Influenza are similar to those of kennel cough.
Like most viruses, it can be contracted from objects like food dishes, kennels and clothing. Vets will often use anti-viral medications to help the animal fight the disease. In worst cases, the dog will need to be hospitalized.
If you have a dog with symptoms of Canine Influenza, try to isolate them from other dogs that may be in the house and avoid taking them to places like the park and pet store until the vet can determine if your dog is indeed ill from the flu virus.
No cases of the Canine Flu have been detected here in the state in recent years. If you have concerns about the flu virus, be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian.

Please come back often to look for more tips regarding your pet.

On Lola....

Lola is one of our new kids on the block.  This beautiful little girl is a spitfire and loves to play! 
Right through the front door, we can hardly get her leash off and she's down the hall waiting at the entrance to go into the playyard!
Lola's best bud is Bella, these two girls have a blast together and they are so much fun to watch! Lola has made many other friends too while she's been here including the staff!!!
It's always so great for us when we get to watch these little ones change and grow and become more beautiful. 
We're so glad you're with us Lola!