Things You Should Know

By: Prideland Kennels & Cattery

Canine Cough

The first misconception we’d like to clear up is that the correct term for a coughing dog is “Canine Cough” and NOT Kennel Cough. Many vets are still using this antiquated term, which leads to the belief that a kennel is the only place dogs can catch a cough.

 

Any dog can contract a virus. It is true that where there’s a concentration of dogs (dog show, agility event, boarding kennel, charity event, etc) can lead to an outbreak of Canine Cough. All it takes is one dog to be a carrier and they can pass a virus to dozens of others very quickly. Dogs are contagious before they start coughing so, just like tonsillitis amongst pre-school children, it’s impossible to stop altogether.

 

The cough associated with a viral infection such as tonsillitis or flaryngitis (Canine Cough) can sound terrible (a hacking, spluttering cough), but often dogs have few, if any, other symptoms of being ill. They eat as normal, run around and behave at least 80% of their normal selves. There is no fever, loss of appetite, or large change to their behaviour (remembering that your dog may already be tired and lethargic from their energetic stay at Pridelands). Antibiotics are of little benefit, beyond preventing the virus from mutating into a secondary, bacterial, infection (which is uncommon in healthy dogs).

 

The Canine Flu (the one you vaccinate for) is a different entity altogether. The symptoms are similar to human flu; your dog may run a fever, appear flat and lethargic, may go off their food, have runny eyes and a mucus nasal discharge, as well as the usual cough. These cases must see a vet. The flu is debilitating and can be fatal to the ill or elderly. If your dog has the flu keep them warm and comfortable, away from drafts, and the vet may give them antibiotics, cough mixture, or even pain relief medications. The Flu is serious business, and must be taken very seriously.

A cough in a dog, cat, or any other animal also does not, necessarily, mean they have a virus or bacterial infection. It can be an indication of a more serious underlying issue, such as a heart condition, allergic reaction to pollen or something in their environment, or evidence they have a physical obstruction in their throat or esophageus.

 

We certainly Do Not advocate leaving your dog unattended if you are at all concerned by their health or medical condition. What we do advocate is gaining an understanding of your pet’s condition and insisting on more information than simply being told they have “kennel cough” and being sent home with antibiotics. Treatment of most Canine Coughs should also Not be expensive.

 

We, at Pridelands, do everything possible to ensure we have the smallest possible chance of developing an outbreak of Canine Cough. We provide an entertaining, stress free environment with plenty of fresh air and sunlight, quality foods and an environmentally controlled facility. We insist all animals have been vaccinated more than 2 weeks before coming into the kennels and less than one year. Despite our best efforts it’s impossible to stop all instances of Canine Cough; anyone can be a carrier and all it takes is one...

 

If we have a known outbreak of any virus we will inform all owners of this fact when they take their animals home, or before they come in (if possible). So, if your animal starts coughing, looks unwell, or has had to see the vet after returning home from the kennels please let us know. Sometimes there will be NO dogs in the kennels coughing, and yet your dog may start coughing once they get home. It is the bane of any kennel owner’s existence, but coughs are unavoidable no matter how hard we try.

 

Vaccinations

As mentioned earlier all dogs and cats boarding with us at Pridelands must have current vaccination. This means they must have been vaccinated within 12 months of coming in to the kennels but not within two weeks of coming to us. Preferably cats should be vaccinates with an F5 vaccine, and dogs with a C5 vaccine, although the F3 and C3 vaccines are the bare minimum.

 

When an animal receives a vaccination, even a booster, their body begins to combat that vaccine. This is the desired effect (the body’s reaction builds immunity against the diseases they’ve been vaccinated for) But the side effect is that while this is happening your pet’s immune system dips for a short period (roughly 2 weeks). This means they’re more susceptible to contracting other bugs, such as a cough, tonsillitis, flaryngitis, and so on. Your vet may tell you it’s fine for your dog/cat to receive a booster the day before coming into a kennel/cattery, because “it’s only a booster, they’ll still be protected”. That’s true, your pet will be protected against the diseases they’ve been vaccinated for, but they’ll be more susceptible to minor viruses and bugs that might be in their environment.

 

How many times have you heard people say “the flu shot makes me sick”? It’s not the vaccine that makes people sick, it’s the fact their immune system dips and they can no longer fight against the virus (such as a head cold) they’ve been battling without being aware of it.

 

If your pet is overdue for a vaccination and you find yourself in a situation where kennelling is urgently required, then please phone us and arrangements may be made for you. It’s often far preferable for a dog or cat to come into the kennels overdue for a vaccination rather than just having had one. Immunity doesn’t simply vanish from your animal’s body at the end of 12 months; the drug companies who make the vaccines won’t guarantee your pet’s immunity after that time. Tests have been done that show vaccines may last two, three or even five years (instead of one), although full immunity cannot be guaranteed for everyone, hence the incentive to keep the vaccinations regular.

 

There are also some circumstances where current vaccination may not be required, such as for the extremely aged, terminally ill, or in the case of those suffering from certain diseases. Again please call us and discuss your pet’s particular needs.

 

In the case of horses, vaccination against tetanus is highly recommended prior to being boarded. While we don’t insist on this, it will protect your horse. Also it would be appreciated if your horse is wormed a week before coming to Pridelands.

 

Although Rabbits are housed indoors at Pridelands, it is a good idea for them to be vaccinated against Calicivirus. Again this is a recommendation and not a requirement. We do our best to ensure the small animal area remains mosquito free, reducing the risk to your rabbit or guinea pig.

 

Handy Hints

Cats
It’s a good idea to catch your cat the day before they’re due to be boarded and keep them secure in a bedroom or in the laundry until you’re due to leave. Cats have an innate way of knowing when something strange is happening, and chances are they’ll know you’re about to go away and they’ll manage to disappear at the most inconvenient of times. We’ve lost count of the number of times that people have cancelled their bookings at the last minute, or had to postpone their holiday, because their cats have gone walkabout.

 

Routine
If your dog or cat is a nervous or sensitive sort, then it might be a good idea to keep your routine at home as normal as possible until the moment you leave for your holiday. Hide suitcases in a bedroom, away from your animals, and don’t let them see you packing. It doesn’t take much more than one holiday, and the accompanying change in behaviour, for your pet to realise that suitcases mean you’re about to leave them. While stressing at home usually won’t affect their kennel or cattery stay, it can affect your own mental state.

 

Poisons
Part of many people’s preparations for going away is to do things like fertilize the garden, put out the mice/rat baits, and throw the snail pellets down in the garden. You need to be extra careful that your pets don’t gain access to these things, now of all times, when you might be busy, distracted and not paying the closest attention to their activities. You might also clean out the fridge and give the leftovers to your beloved dog; but remember that large amounts of rich, unusual foods often gives them diarrhoea. Rat bait takes up to a week to affect your pet, and poisoning is extremely painful and often fatal. Snail bait poisoning takes only a few grams to be dangerous, and is usually fatal without immediate veterinary attention. Even “pet safe” products only contain a scent deterrent; if your dog or cat eats them they’re still just as deadly. Be very, very careful.