Canine Cough

What’s going on?

The word is in from our trusted vet partners, there’s a bug going around. Their offices are seeing a marked uptick in respiratory disease, especially among dogs who go to local dog parks and dog daycares. The common nickname for this is “kennel cough”, but is really part of a broad category of Canine Infections Respiratory Disease (CIRD) complex.

TL;DR

We know you understand that just like a school for human kiddos, we are unable to totally prevent the introduction of an airborne virus into our facility. We ask that you respect for your pup’s BFFs by keeping your dog at home if you hear any coughing.

We always want to hear about any health concerns you have about your pup.  Please reach out to our front desk via email, text, or phone!

Here’s what you need to know:

• ALL the dogs who visit Smart Dog are immunized against the Bordetella bacteria, but the unfortunate reality is that there are several other viruses and bacteria that can cause infections that are NOT covered by the vaccine  
• Exposure to the virus happens anywhere other dogs are, this includes dog parks, daycares, veterinarian offices and even apartment hallways and elevators. 
• The incubation period for the strains going around is typically 3 – 10 days.  This means dogs can be contagious before they show symptoms

How can I know my dog might have a bug?

• The most common symptom is a persistent dry cough that sounds a bit like a goose honking, ending in what sounds like a throat-clearing “hack”  
• The cough can produce white, foamy phlegm
• Watery nasal discharge
• Dogs are often active and eating normally
• If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms we recommend taking your dog to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If you DO receive a diagnosis of a contagious disease, please call and let us know
• Check out this page for more info:  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_dg_canine_tracheobronchitis

How does Smart Dog handle this?

• The first time we hear even a tiny cough, we isolate the dog in an area with a separate air handling system & recommend a vet visit when necessary
• We continue our robust cleaning routines including frequent water bowl changes, food-safe sanitizers on all water & feeding bowls, sanitizing surfaces with veterinary cleaners and disinfectants
• Oh, and we wash our hands frequently (and not just because of, you know, dog poop)

Again, we definitely want to hear about any health concerns you have about your pup. Please call, text or email us!