Can You Vaccinate for Kennel Cough?
There is a vaccination that can be administered against kennel cough. However, since it isn’t considered to be a ‘core’ vaccine, many owners do not get their canine companions immunized against the condition. Even then, the effectiveness of vaccines is not 100% in all dogs and there are many different strains of the condition. This means that there is a small risk that the disease can still be passed between vaccinated canines.
Nevertheless, many boarding facilities will insist that dogs are vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica which is the most common bacteria present in kennel cough. You may be asked to provide proof of an up-to-date vaccination before your dog is allowed to be admitted for boarding.
As the name suggests, the most common symptom of kennel cough is a consistent, forceful cough. This can sound like there is something wedged inside your dog’s throat and will sound very dry and hoarse. In some cases, a dog with kennel cough can still bring up mucus when they cough.
Aside from this cough, your dog probably feels fairly well and healthy and is probably eating ok. However, he may also present with other cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes.
Although unpleasant, kennel cough is rarely dangerous, and most dogs will recover from the condition within a few weeks without any treatment. However, in some canines, it can last upwards of six weeks. Your vet will be able to tell you whether they are happy to leave your dog to fight the condition himself or whether they will recommend a course of antibiotics that should help to clear it. Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be beneficial.
Something else that you might notice after dog boarding is that your precious pooch is experiencing diarrhea in the days after he comes home. Many owners are concerned that this means that their dog has picked up a stomach bug while in kennels. However, this is very unlikely. A great boarding facility will be very diligent with cleaning and ensuring every pet is up to date with their preventative care. In fact, little diarrhea in the first 48 hours after returning home is actually very normal and is often simply due to the excitement that your dog feels about coming back to an environment and people that he loves. You may even notice a little mucus or blood in his bowel movements. Nevertheless, if diarrhea persists more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as not drinking, it is advisable to get him checked out by your veterinarian in Hoover, AL.
Has your dog come home and spent a lot of time sleeping? This is a symptom that concerns many conscientious owners, but again it is actually fairly common. Boarding is usually a very busy environment and your dog will be kept entertained with walks, games, and more so that his mind and body are kept occupied while you are apart. Often it is just a case that he will need to sleep a bit more when first comes home to rest after all the fun that he has had!
Eating or Drinking More after Dog Boarding
Has your pet come home acting like he hasn’t been fed for a week? Rest assured, he most certainly has! Dogs naturally eat and drink less while they are in boarding – something which is generally down to it being a new environment and them feeling less comfortable than they would at home. As a result, they tend to try and catch up on their calories when they get home and will also drink more. This is something that should go back to normal within a few days.
You know your dog better than anyone else and if you have any concerns about his health or wellbeing after boarding in Hoover, AL, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our experienced veterinarians. Contact our Animal Hospital in Hoover, AL today at (205) 822-4779 to arrange a visit.
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Excitement Can Cause an Upset Stomach
You know the feeling of butterflies that you get when you are excited? Well, your dog is likely to be thrilled at the prospect of seeing you and returning home, and sometimes this can cause him to develop inflammation in his gut that then trigger diarrhea. In most instances, this type of diarrhea resolves itself within 48 hours of returning home.
My dog had diarrhea THIS Fixed it FAST!
Diarrhea in dogs after boarding is upsetting for many dog owners to witness. You pick up your pup after not seeing him for a few days, and all you want to do is cuddle and celebrate your reunion. Next thing you know, your dog has several bouts of terrible diarrhea, and the last thing you want to do is pick up messes. Whats up with dogs who develop diarrhea after boarding? Veterinarian Dr. Crnec explains some possibilities.
All dog parents know that diarrhea is the most common manifestation of intestinal disease. In most cases the diarrhea is acute – characterized with rapid onset and slow recovery.
Milder cases of diarrhea can be transient, self-limiting and occurring without any accompanying signs and symptoms. Severe cases of acute diarrhea require veterinary attention and are often accompanied by a wide range of signs varying from minor to potentially life-threatening.
The most common causes of acute diarrhea in dogs are dietary indiscretions (such as eating spoiled food or non-edible items), food allergies and intolerances to particular foods or ingredients, presence of intestinal worms, certain types of bacterial and viral infections and treatment with certain drugs (such as NSAIDs).
Another particularly common, but rarely mentioned and explained cause of diarrhea in dogs is staying at a boarding facility. In fact, according to some studies, during or following a boarding experience, more than 70 percent of the dogs will manifest loose bowel movements.