Hi everyone,

I went on holiday for 2 weeks at the beginning of February and came back on Saturday. I asked both the kennel owner and my own vet about kennel cough vacs for my two dogs who would be in the kennels for two weeks as this was the first time I have ever had to use a kennel.

Both told me it was not necessary in the winter months. I have now discovered that one of my dogs Benji (3yr old male Jackapoo) has it. My other dog Millie (9mth female Cockapoo) has shown no signs of having it.

I have booked an appointment with the vets for this afternoon for Benji, but I am now worried about Millie as I read on the net that the symptoms can take up to two weeks to show. I now feel like a very irresponsible owner and am kicking myself very hard for not getting the kennel cough vaccinations.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Didn't know kennel cough was restricted to seasons myself,, maybe when you asked for the vac it was too late for it to get into the system (think it has to be two weeks before). The funny thing is my vet never seems to want to give one of mys dogs KC he always tries to talk me out of it.
Hope the dogs are ok - keep us informed.

Hi again!

Just to add, I also have three cats - does this affect them too?

Thanks

Well what a silly vet plus most kennels like your dog done winter or summer. Because if there is an out break they would have to shut down for a while to disinfect the place

It's year round and the vaccination is questionable as it only covers some of the strains. You dog can still get kennel cough even with the vaccination. But kennel cough is very easily treatable with antibiotics. It's rare but it can spread to other animals. Speak to your vet about your concerns and ask them about the best way to keep things clean. But it's likely that all of the dogs in the house will get it, but they can't be treated or vaccinated for it until they are clear of the affected pets. So it would be too late for the other dog if it's been in contact with your ill dog.

kennel cough affects dogs all year round. the kennel cough vaccine is one that goes up the nose producing a local reaction at the back of the throat. it is not 100% effective so even a vaccinated dog can get kennel cough tho its usually much milder.
it doesnt only affect dogs in kennels, a dog can get one of the viruses or bacteria that causes kennel cough passing a dog in the street however in kennels there are so many dogs in one airspace that if one gets it they are all at risk.
it can last anything from a few days up to 6 or 8 wks. most clear up in wk or 2. antibiotics are not always nec, sometimes it just takes time.

would advise vaccinating all dogs who go into kennels or go to training classes/shows where lots of dogs are together. ideally you should get your dog vaccinated 2 wks before going into kennels but you can give the vaccine anything up to 48hrs before going in.

i wouldnt worry yourself though, it usually clears quite quickly!

Bobby had his first kennel cough protection today. (6 months old)
The practice tell us they are seeing many cases at the moment.

I brought Samson and Ty to the kennel last Spring. They required them to have their vaccines done every 6 months. They had their second before going in and still caught it! Not only that but Samson threw up and then aspirated(food went into lungs). We had to take him to the emergency vet to find out he had pneumonia! Our 3rd dog who spent time at our vets kennel caught it within the week they got back too. I don't think it's something cats get. At least ours didn't.
It's definitely not a seasonal thing. Always safe than sorry by having them vaccinated. I hope they're feeling better!