Kennel Cough: The Beach Dog Protocol

Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs that is comparable to bronchitis in humans. It’s medically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica, but there are other contagions that can factor in, such as; canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasmas. Dogs can spread it to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces. It’s highly treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age and immunocompromised dogs. Because kennel cough is developed through multiple pathogens, and because it is easily transferred from one dog to another, any public setting, where multiple dogs share space, becomes a high risk fo

r outbreaks of the disease. Therefore any safe space that caters to dogs will require your dog to be vaccinated and bolstered. The Beach Dog Daycare is one of those safe places. So let’s talk about kennel cough and The Beach Dog Protocol.

First let’s talk about the disease, its sources of infection, and the vaccine and boosters involved. As we stated at the beginning of the article, your dog can catch the disease through multiple pathogens. The term kennel cough is used to describe a symptom belonging to many forms of different viruses and bacterial infections. So while the bordetella vaccine may defend against the bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium it does not protect against all forms of contagions and other viruses. It does, however, lessen the severity of the disease and it assists in your dog's recovery. Boosters are always required because, like most bacteria, bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium morphs and changes. Therefore the vaccine is continually updated to defend against the disease. Because the bacteria changes, and because the disease can be spread through multiple pathogens, coupled with the fact that canine cough is easily transferable, it is next to impossible to stop the spread. Think of this as the common cold, there are ways to defend yourself but no guarantees that your dog will never get it. Also, like the common cold, your dog can shed the virus for days before showing symptoms. Your best defense, if you have a highly social dog, is to vaccinate and booster regularly. But you must remember, and discuss this with your veterinarian, getting the vaccine and regular boosters do not necessarily prevent your dog from catching the disease. It can defend and lessen the effects of the disease. For preventive measures, the bordetella vaccine and boosters for kennel cough, are required in The Beach Dog Protocol.

Rest assured that The Beach Dog Daycare is hyper-vigilant in keeping updated vaccines to ensure the safety of all the dogs at daycare. We always recommend that you speak to your pet's veterinarian for the best care and practices for your furry family member. If your dog received the booster via injection, it can return to daycare immediately. Any dog that receives the nasal spray must wait 10 days before they come to daycare. Above and beyond required vaccines and boosters, The Beach Dog keeps all surfaces clean daily. We are proud users of High Performance 256 disinfectants. This product is used all over the United States and by professional facilities, including dog breeders, kennels, and veterinary practices. This multi-purpose disinfectant provides area control of staph, salmonella, E. coli, bordetella bronchiseptica, adenovirus, canine distemper, feline picornavirus, HIV-1, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, rabies, herpes, pseudorabies, respiratory syncytia, streptococcus - even canine parvovirus! Lastly, our staff is trained in red-flagging symptoms and understanding dog behavior. Should a dog show early signs the staff will quarantine your dog and contact the owner immediately. Should any Beach Dog be diagnosed with kennel cough, they must obtain verification from their veterinarian before returning to daycare. The safety of the daycare and all the dogs are equally important and always our top priority.

We like to assure any daycare client with concerns, to think of the risk like you would your child in a school setting. Just like you know your child and their needs, it’s important to know your dog and their needs too. Sending your child to school is essential for their development, just like pack socialization is important for your dog. All children are required to be vaccinated, and vaccines help to reduce the spread of disease, but this does not mean your child won’t catch the flu, the common cold, or bronchitis. Likewise, any dog in a social setting runs the risk of infection too. Nonsocial dogs can get the infection as well, but run a lower risk of catching it due to less interaction with other dogs. Luckily the symptoms are not life threatening and most dogs overcome the infection within three weeks. The dogs at severe risk, puppies and immune-compromised dogs, should always consult with their veterinarian when considering public interaction on a daily basis.

While The Beach Dog Daycare Protocol addresses all preventative measures possible, it’s unrealistic to think your dog is never going to contact kennel cough. The good news is The Beach Dog Daycare Protocol is your strongest defense for safe daycare socialization, and kennel cough is typically a disease your dog will overcome. If you have any questions or concerns about kennel cough, vaccines, and boosters, we ask that you consult your veterinarian. When it comes to the protocol we have in place at The Beach Dog, we are fully transparent and happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have in relation to our facility being a safe space for your furry family member.