Over the last week have seen a dramatic increase in the number of dogs coming in with respiratory issues, specifically an intense cough. Local news, veterinarians and kennels have reported a “kennel cough outbreak”. Kennel cough is a general term that refers to several different viruses that can cause upper respiratory disease.
Bordatella and Canine Influenza are two viruses that cause these illnesses, whose symptoms include, a dry, hacking cough, lethargy, fever and lack of appetite. There are vaccines for these viruses and we recommend them to any pets that tend to be around many other dogs or who are planning to have close contact with other dogs. Going to the groomer, dog park, doggie daycare, and kennel can all put your pet at risk. Walking your pet and letting them have close contact to other dogs during this time can also put your dog at risk. These viruses are very contagious and can become airborne in the areas of infected pets.
Our doctors have always recommended the Bordatella vaccine only for pets at risk, those that frequent the places listed above. Historically, Canine Influenza (H3N8) has not been an issue in our area and therefore we have not recommended owners vaccinating. We have now been informed that there was at least 1 confirmed case in Chicago. Based on the symptoms and histories of some of the patients we have treated, our doctors suspect that this virus may been infecting dogs in our area too. Testing can be very costly and likely would not change our plan of treatment, so we are NOT recommending that every dog coughing be tested. However, we are recommending that any dog that will be boarded in the near future, regularly goes to doggie daycare, grooming, etc. now received the Canine Influenza vaccine. Pets must receive two vaccines 2- 4 weeks apart initially. If you are planning on boarding your pets in the next couple of months, we urge you to get them vaccinated as soon as possible, so they can receive both vaccines prior to their boarding. The vaccine can be administered by one of our technicians as long as your pet is up to date on their Rabies Vaccine and Wellness Exam.