The caring staff at Barx Parx are committed to keeping your dogs safe and healthy. As we head into our fall season here in Vegas, we are keeping a close eye out for Kennel Cough, and bringing awareness to local dog parents!
Kennel Cough is an umbrella term used to describe a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs! It can be caused by ;
- The Canine Adenovirus Type 2
- Parainfluenza Virus
- Canine respiratory Coronavirus
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica Bacteria
The Bordetella Vaccine is the primary vaccine to prevent Kennel Cough, however similar to the flu in humans, it doesn’t completely eliminate the chance your dog will contract Kennel Cough, as it only lessens the symptoms and duration of the disease.
“Kennel Cough can take two to ten days to appear after the patient has been exposed”… “Due to this, it can be difficult to pinpoint the time and place in which the disease was contacted” Source
Kennel Cough most significantly impacts dogs under the age of 6 months, or immunocompromised. However you should keep a lookout for it in all of your dogs regardless of age and vaccination status!
SYMPTOMS
Knowing what Kennel Cough looks and sounds like can help you identify it quickly and get your Dog medical care as quickly as possible! Kennel Cough is extremely contagious, and once contracted spreads very quickly. Here are some of the signs to keep and eye out for! If your dog is showing these signs we recommend visiting your veterinarian care provider. Source
- A cough with a distinctive “honking” noise
- A runny nose
- Inactivity
- Sneezing
- Low Fever
“Most dogs that become ill with kennel cough will get better without any medical treatment in 10-to-14 days, although some develop a more severe form and need medical attention” Source
TREATMENT
If you suspect your dog has contracted Kennel Cough, we recommend immediately seeking medical attention from a Licensed Veterinarian. The following is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Consult your veterinarian for questions and information regarding your pet’s health.
Most often Veterinarian Professionals will treat Kennel Cough with antibiotics to assist in your dogs recovery! While most dogs will recover within 2 weeks, it is important to seek medical attention to properly identify and treat your dog.
Discuss with your veterinarian what treatment would be best for your dog.
Sanitize all dog beds, brushes, toys, leashes, collars, etc. Quarantine your dog from any activity that involves other pups for at least two weeks or until cleared by your vet including: dog groomers, dog training classes, competitive dog shows, dog parks, dog daycares, walks/hikes around other dogs, and any other communal dog setting.
PREVENTION
The most common prevention measures include annual Bordetella vaccination, disinfecting pet items after any large dog gatherings, reducing nose to nose contact with unfamiliar dogs, and avoiding shared water sources in common areas.
It is extremely important to know the sanitation practices of where you take your dog! The best prevention is proper precautions at dog establishments! Keep reading to hear about what Barx Parx is doing to ensure the safest environment for your Dogs!
WHAT BARX PARX IS DOING
All of us at Barx Parx know we have a duty and obligation to ensure a safe and healthy environment for you and your dog to enjoy! To do our part to help prevent the spread of Kennel Cough in the Las Vegas Valley, we require all dogs to have their Bordetella Vaccines and we also have some of the highest grade disinfecting policies and procedures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in dogs!
The nightly disinfectant that we researched and chose specifically for our facility is a bit of a splurge, but it kills canine influenza, canine parvovirus, plus over 50 other viruses and pathogens!
Along with this our Park Rangers are all extensively trained in proper sanitization and disinfection. Here are just some of the things we do to ensure Barx Parx is the safest and healthiest place for your and your dog to spend quality time together.
- Routine Dog health and safety checks before entering the facility
- Hand washing and sanitizing between checking dogs
- Nightly disinfectant
- Routine water bowl and toy sanitation
- Proper Ventilation and low staff-dog ratios help prevent airborne spread
Here are some tips for keeping your pup happy and healthy:
- Only take your dog to facilities that require vaccinations and have high grade disinfecting policies
- Avoid contact with unknown dogs that may expose your dog to Kennel Cough
- Seek immediate medical attention from a licensed Veterinarian if you see any changes in your dogs health