No kennel can promise a dog will never catch a cough, and a good one says so. Here is how it works and what lowers the odds.
What kennel cough is
The AKC explains that kennel cough is usually caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, often together with viruses such as canine parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2. Signs are a persistent honking cough, gagging, sneezing and sometimes a runny nose, low fever and reduced appetite. It appears 2 to 14 days after exposure.
How it spreads
Through coughs and sneezes, direct contact, and shared bowls, toys or bedding. Crowded settings, cold air, poor ventilation and stress make it easier to catch. The AKC lists kennels, day care and dog parks as common places for it to pass between dogs.
What vaccines do and do not do
Bordetella vaccines reduce the risk and severity of illness, but they do not cover every cause. The AKC says vaccinated dogs can still get it, usually with milder signs and faster recovery, and that boosters are typically given every 6 to 12 months depending on lifestyle. The boarding agreement at Happy Paws says the same in plain words: a fully vaccinated pet can still catch a contagious illness.
What Happy Paws requires and provides
- Dogs need rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella, with records good through the last day of the stay. Canine influenza is recommended but not required.
- Each dog has its own indoor/outdoor run, with a heated or air-conditioned inside space.
- The kennel building has HVAC, and the runs are kept clean.
- A pet may not be accepted if it is not in good health, so call if your dog is coughing before a stay.
What to do after a stay
Watch for a cough for the next two weeks. The AKC says most dogs recover within one to three weeks, mild cases often clear on their own, and a dog that is coughing should be isolated while symptomatic and for at least two weeks after the cough stops. Call your vet before arriving so the clinic can plan, and tell the kennel. See kennel cough, symptoms and how long it is contagious.
How to lower your own dog's risk
Keep vaccines current and give boosters on your vet's schedule. Do not board a dog that is coughing, sneezing or has a runny nose, and let the kennel know if your dog was exposed. Ask your veterinarian whether the canine influenza vaccine suits your dog; Happy Paws recommends it for dogs. Keep your dog fit, well fed and rested before the trip, because stress makes illness more likely.