Kennel Cough Season is typically May 1st thru Sep 1st. This is when the largest group of dogs typically board. Like a daycare when large groups of dogs congregate Canine respiratory infection tends to appear.

This is commonly referred to as kennel cough.

We require your pet be vaccinated for two strains of this bacteria. Though there are dozens of strains out there., hence even though your pet is vaccinated they can still come home with  "kennel cough". The first strain is the most common, the vaccine is known as Bordetella for the strain of Bordetella bronchiseptica or Bordatella for short. 

The second strain we vaccinate for is included in your DHPP or 5way (5 in 1) The 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs is typically referred to by its acronym (DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP) to indicate the diseases it protects against.

The canine 5-in-1 vaccine includes protection against canine distemper virus (indicated by the letter D), two types of adenovirus, aka hepatitis and kennel cough (named A, A2, or H), parainfluenza (P), and parvovirus (P).

These diseases are all caused by bacteria with no known cure, so vaccination is the primary way to keep dogs protected. They are also highly contagious, and dogs of all ages are at risk of becoming infected.

So while these vaccines are effective, and added as a preventive measure, they are not 100% effective and your pet can still bring home "kennel cough".  One important thing to remember is that canine parainfluenza is not related to canine influenza.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Kennel Cough & What happens when they get kennel cough?

Dogs who are displaying symptoms of kennel cough will have a midgrade fever, cough, hack, excessive drooling, and sound like a goose honking or they are choking on something such as grass.

Kennel cough typically last 7 to 14 days and most dogs will recover without any intervention or treatment. 

Immune compromised and older dogs could develop secondary infections such as pneumonia so a vet may prescribe antibiotics. But there is no cure or treatment for kennel cough, just like the common cold in humans.

If you are worried or concerned about your pet contracting Kennel Cough please speak to your veterinarian. If your pet is elderly or immune compromised we highly recommend not boarding during Kennel Cough Season. Instead we recommend looking into an alternative such as an in home care provider.