Canine cough (commonly known and labeled as “kennel cough”), not unlike the common cold for humans, comes around about twice every year. This is truly the doggy equivalent of the common cold. What’s different? Dogs have a vaccine for it! Similar to the flu vaccine for us, their kennel cough/Bordetella vaccine formula gets updated based on the strains going around that season. This is part of why we require the dogs to get boosted on this vaccine *every six months* (see vaccine requirement info here). 

What do you need to know about the Canine Cough? 

• It’s weird! Or at least, it SOUNDS weird. We are used to people coughing - that is a fairly normal sound to us and it doesn’t stand out in a crowd. But when we hear our DOG cough….. You might think the world is ending! This can sound like a gruff clearing of the throat in your dog, even to the point where they sound like they might be choking themselves because they have extra mucus and drainage they're trying to clear that out. But don’t panic - while this may sound strange and dangerous to you, it is quite common, especially in immuno-compromised dogs such as un-vaccinated, under-vaccinated, dogs under the age of 2 years, and elderly or ill dogs (e.g. dogs fighting cancer). 
• The vaccine does not fully prevent the Canine Cough. Even if your dog is fully up-to-date on their bordetella vaccine, they may still catch the Canine Cough. You might notice symptoms, and you might not. Similar to the COVID virus that humans have been battling fiercely since 2020, the Canine Cough can be a silent virus that is carried by dogs who have fought it off before and would test positive but simply are not showing any symptoms because their immune system has developed to keep it at bay. 
• That being said… the vaccine is VERY beneficial. The Bordetella vaccine boosts your dog’s immune system towards this particular virus and can allow your dog to suffer less, and for fewer days, before resuming their usual activity. 
• If your dog is coughing enough that it is affecting their daily activity, or sleep,  please see your vet right away. They can prescribe cough suppressant tablets to make your dog more comfortable and potentially an antibiotic if they suspect the cough might be turning into something more serious, such as pneumonia or bronchitis (which dogs can absolutely develop, just like us). 
• Your dog did not necessarily catch it from a “kennel”, despite the common name. Canine Cough can be spread through droplets - this means that anywhere dogs exist or congregate, the virus can spread. Popular walking/hiking paths, dog parks, vet offices, daycares and boarding centers, training centers, etc. Obviously places where there is a higher congregation of dogs can carry a higher risk, so you need to decide what level of risk you’re comfortable exposing your dog to, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall, when the weather changes). 
• If your dog is experiencing watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, lethargic behavior, excessive sneezing, etc. - they may have the Canine Cough or another illness or virus! Please keep them home from daycare and boarding until their symptoms have cleared up, and PLEASE CONTACT US RIGHT AWAY. Kim’s K-9 actively tracks the number of cases we get every season in order to keep record of how bad each season turns out to be for us so we can continually improve our cleaning protocols and health standards to keep your dogs as safe as possible. Information regarding which dogs are sick and how many get sick is incredibly helpful for us in creating the safest environment possible for your dogs. 
• You COULD potentially get reimbursement for your dogs vet bills regarding their illness. If you request a test from your vet to determine which strain of virus your dog has contracted, and have your vet send it in to your vaccine production company (e.g. Merck), many dog vaccine companies offer full compensation for vet care as a guarantee for their vaccine effectiveness. Please call your vet to ask about this process and if your dog might qualify for testing and reimbursement.

You should be aware that there are a number of other illnesses your dog could potentially contract communicably from other dogs in your community. Here are some that we track and monitor closely: 

• Parvovirus. Parvovirus (AKA Parvo) is extremely dangerous and deadly for most pet dogs if contracted. The bad news? It acts quickly, and it absolutely tragic and very contagious. The good news? The vaccine completely eliminates your dogs chances of contracting parvo! Parvo vaccine is typically included in the Distemper combination vaccine (often abbreviated DHPP or DHLPP on your vet records). This is the first vaccine young puppies are typically vaccinated for and it is the one you have to get two boosters for as puppies. While it is annoying to pay for the vet visits and get those extra shots, it is TRULY LIFE SAVING for your dog. We had an outbreak in Michigan not so long ago that killed many rescue dogs before they figured out it was Parvo and completely preventable. Click here to view an article from the 2022 outbreak.
• Canine Influenza. The Canine influenza (H3N8 and H3N2 strains) is an illness that entered the USA out of the greyhound racetracks in Florida in the early 2000s. Since then, there have been random outbreaks in major cities across the country every 2-3 years. The big outbreak for West Michigan happened in 2018, and this is when we started requiring the Canine Influenza Vaccine (typically notated as CIV or CIV Bivalent on your vet records). Canine influenza acts a lot like human influenza - symptoms include lethargy, upset stomach, respiratory symptoms, and general displeasure in life from the dog. This illness can result in death. The vaccine offers full protection from the illness, however it can still be carried by vaccinated dogs and spread, which is why we still require the vaccine even after several years of no confirmed cases in our regional area. Click here to view an article from back in 2018 with some details of what was happening in the lower peninsula of Michigan at that time.
• The “mystery virus” of 2023. Unfortunately, not much is known even now about the illness that stormed the media in the summer of 2023. This illness is still fresh in many people’s minds! Here is what we know…. While Michigan did not have many, if any, reported cases, I believe it came through our local community around June-August of 2023 and I’ve seen two repeat cases of it this year in August as well. It starts out looking a LOT like Canine Cough which is why I believe it is very dangerous. This illness progresses into more serious conditions such and pneumonia or bronchitis WITHIN A 36-48 HOUR PERIOD. This is EXTREMELY fast compared to with the standard Canine Cough which can take up to 1-2 weeks to develop into something that serious. Because this virus has not been identified medically, there is no vaccine for it. That being said, we have seen GREAT success with clients who take their dog to be checked by the vet IMMEDIATELY when the dog begins coughing. If you are concerned your dog may have contracted this new virus, please take them into the vet ASAP and ask if an antibiotic might be appropriate for them. If your dog is put onto an appropriate antibiotic right away, they are able to circumvent the worst of the symptoms and hopefully avoid an emergency vet stay. Click here to view an article with some more information about this virus.
• Gastro-intestinal illnesses. We see this type of illness less frequently than respiratory type viruses, but they can be just as serious in some cases. This is where it is helpful to know what is “normal” for your dogs eating habits, poop consistency and general temperament and demeanor when at home and relaxed. If you notice any sudden changes in appetite, drinking habits, behavioral changes, or abnormal poops, please get in touch with your vet right away. And as always, CONTACT US ASAP AS WELL. We track all illnesses with our client dogs where possible so as to keep an accurate number of illnesses that darken our doors so as to continue improving our cleaning protocols and keeping the dogs in our care as safe as possible. 

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Please note that while we are very experienced with dogs, WE ARE NOT VETERINARIANS! Nothing that we say or advise can replace the guidance of an experienced, licensed veterinarian and we have no intention of replacing these necessary experts in the pet dog industry. If you have difficulty working with your current vet and are looking for a second opinion, we personally know a handful of vets that we work with ourselves and would highly recommend to you at any time. 

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The bottom line is, keep your pets home and call your vet if they are not acting their usual selves. Then please call us and let us know! We care so much about your dogs and want them to be safe, healthy and happy every day of their short lives :-)