KENNEL COUGH - NEW VACCINE POLICY FOR BOARDING OF DOGS
As from 1st September 2010, we will be insisting that boarding dogs are covered against Kennel cough (infectious bronchitis). This is an additional vaccine to your normal yearly booster vaccinations and is administered as a liquid squirted into your dog’s nostrils. It must be done at least 2 weeks prior to boarding.
Most vaccines for kennel cough last for a year and can be given at the same time as their yearly boosters.
This vaccine will give your dog more immunity against kennel cough outbreaks but may not cover against all strains of kennel cough. It is now viewed as best practice by veterinarians against this distressing and debilitating illness, and will help prevent it coming into our kennel environment - further protecting your dog.
Please note that kennel cough is not covered by our kennel insurance policy.
Please be advised that we will not accept dogs which have not been protected against kennel cough after 1st September 2010.
Should you wish further information, we can provide you with a leaflet explaining about kennel cough and how we can protect against it – they are freely available in our reception – please take one.
Because your dog will be coming into contact with many others it should be fully vaccinated before going to stay at a boarding kennel. Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the major cause of infectious bronchitis is a sensible precaution and indeed, most good kennels will insist on vaccination before they accept your booking.
What is Kennel cough?
Infectious bronchitis is a
highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. Infected dogs have a harsh,
dry cough that can last for several weeks. As well as being distressing for
your dog, the persistent coughing can be upsetting and embarrassing for you.
How does it spread?
The infection is spread from dog to dog
through the air, and dogs can catch it wherever they come together at boarding
kennels, training classes, dog shows or even walking in the park.
Bordetella bronchiseptica and Intrac vaccination
There are
many organisms that make dogs cough, some being more serious than others.
Bordetella bronchiseptica, the major cause of infectious bronchitis is a
bacterium, which not only causes disease in its own right but can further
complicate viral infections. Bordetella produces a typically persistent, harsh,
hacking cough which can last for 3 weeks or more and even after the cough has
cleared up, dogs can remain infectious for a further 3 months. Fortunately,
your veterinary surgeon has Intrac, a vaccine which provides effective
protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica. Given as droplets into your dog's
nose, lntrac prevents the unnecessary distress brought about by this widespread
disease.
When to vaccinate
For maximum protection, ask your vet to
vaccinate your dog with Intrac at least 5 days, but preferably 14 days before
your dog is put at risk. Because Intrac builds effective immunity in as little
as 5 days, you can still ensure protection even if you decide to take a last
minute holiday. Intrac will protect your dog for at least 6 months.
Separate cover
You should remember that your dog's annual
booster injections do not give protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica. So
unless you specifically ask your vet for Intrac, your dog will remain
vulnerable to this extremely infectious disease.