Boarding Your Dog?

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 infectious bronchitis?
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.

10 essentials

1. Collar - A simple, flat collar without attachments or elaborate decoration is ideal.
2. Identity tag - The most suitable type of tag is a straightforward durable metal disk with clear, legible markings.
3. Comforter - Your dog will settle more quickly if it has a familiar toy, comforter or pacifier to give reassurance and help it feel at home.
4. Diet - Feeding instructions and special dietary requirements should be given to the kennel staff, preferably in writing.
5. Contact name - It is helpful for the boarding kennel to have the name and telephone number of someone who can be contacted in your absence possibly a friend or member of your family.
6. Vet - The name and telephone number of your vet is necessary in case of illness or an emergency.
7. Medical - Details of any medical conditions should be carefully explained, and instructions regarding any medication should be given to kennel staff, preferably in writing.
8. Vaccinations - Take along current vaccination certificates, including one for Intrac which provides effective protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the major cause of infectious bronchitis.
9. Dates - The kennel staff will need confirmation of boarding dates, along with date and time of expected collection.
10. Pet name - If your dog has a particular pet name that it knows and responds to, please let us know.