LET'S TALK ABOUT...CANINE COUGH

One of the public relations problems for boarding kennels today is caused by a much misunderstood disease in dogs called "canine cough," Tracheobronchitis, or often improperly referred to as "kennel cough." As a dog owner you should be aware of some of the facts about this disease.

WHAT IS "CANINE COUGH"?

Infectious Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an air-borne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 7 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious. However, just as with the common cold, it can lower the dog's resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections, and so he must be observed closely to avoid complications.

HOW IS IT CURED?

Just as in the case of the common cold, Tracheobronchitis is not "cured" but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself.

DOES TRACHEOBRONCHITIS OCCUR ONLY IN KENNELS?

No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog…even one which never leaves its own back yard. But Tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park.

BUT AREN'T THE CHANCES OF CATCHING IT GREATER
WHEN A DOG IS IN A KENNEL?

Yes…because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home… proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease (these same factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog boards at a kennel, the greater are the chances that he will acquire an immunity to the disease. Even during a widespread outbreak, only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are affected.

ARE THESE VIRUSES A CONSTANT PROBLEM?

No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the outbreak is over, they might not see another case for months.

CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO PROTECT
HIM AGAINST TRACHEOBRONCHITIS?

Yes! Vaccines against Parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other vaccines) are routinely used as part of an adult dog's yearly check up. Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with distemper, hepatitis, and parvo virus in a series of immunizations. It is important to note that the vaccines that are used to prevent this viral disease are made from one strain of over 100 different strains of the virus and therefore are not as effective against some strains as other. Some strains are not included in any vaccine; therefore, there is no prevention against them. Intra-nasal vaccines are also available for Bordetella bronchiseptica (another cause of canine cough). Although some veterinary practices do not use this vaccination routinely, it should be considered for pets that board or for those whose veterinarian recommends it. Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a program of preventive health care management depending on your pet's needs.

CAN'T THE KENNEL PREVENT MY DOG
FROM CATCHING TRACHEOBRONCHITIS?

Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" an airborne virus. All that a good boarding kennel can do is to recommend immunization against Tracheobronchitis, refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. (Strangely, the dog with Parainfluenza alone my not appear ill, yet is contagious.) You have a right to expect a kennel to provide the best possible care just as a kennel has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care. Your Pet Care Services Association member is devoted to your pet's well being. Look for his/her membership certificate proudly displayed.

VETERINARY CARE WARRANTY PROGRAM

Bass Pet Resort & Spa offers a low cost Veterinary Care Warranty Program on cats and dogs boarded that are over (6) months of age and that are not over (7) seven years old for dogs and cats that are not over (8) eight years old. For more information on additional exclusions, please speak to a customer service representative. The cost of the insurance is $5.00 per pet, per stay and will cover up to $500 in veterinary costs. You will be offered the option to accept or decline this offer at the time you check in.

RELATED RESOURCES

Fleas and ticks are a constant problem for almost all pet owner's If your dog or cat goes out-of-doors chances are that your pet has been exposed to these parasites as well as others including mosquitoes.

Little can be done to stop exposure but products are available to aid in the treatment and to prevent infestation. Treatments have to be applied on a regular basis and you should inspect your pet often. Ticks start out being very small and the first place to find them on your pet is usually between their toes. All that it takes for your pet to come into contact with these pests is a brush against a bush, shrub, or a walk in the grass. These insects are common in the out-of door environment and readily attach themselves to any host mammal. Ticks and fleas carry many diseases including Lyme disease. Here at Bass Pet Resort & Spa we inspect every animal for ticks and fleas before boarding. Every effort is made to house animals in a clean and safe environment but, ticks and fleas do sometimes occur and whenever they are discovered treatment is applied. Controls are always in place to eliminate control these pests and no chemicals that would be harmful to animals are ever used. Only approved flea and tick shampoos, dips, and sprays are used.
Heart worms are deadly to dogs and every dog should be on a regimented preventive treatment program. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites to your dog. Once in the blood stream these parasites attach themselves to the inside of the blood vessels in the heart. As they grow larger they restrict blood flow weakening the animal and eventually cause death. Heartgard or an approved medication by your veterinarian should be given to your dog on a monthly basis to prevent and kill these parasites.





	LET'S TALK ABOUT...CANINE COUGH One of the public relations problems for boarding kennels today is caused by a much misunderstood disease in dogs called "canine cough," Tracheobronchitis, or often improperly referred to as "kennel cough." As a dog owner you should be aware of some of the facts about this disease. WHAT IS "CANINE COUGH"? Infectious Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an air-borne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 7 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious. However, just as with the common cold, it can lower the dog's resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections, and so he must be observed closely to avoid complications. HOW IS IT CURED? Just as in the case of the common cold, Tracheobronchitis is not "cured" but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself. DOES TRACHEOBRONCHITIS OCCUR ONLY IN KENNELS? No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog…even one which never leaves its own back yard. But Tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park. BUT AREN'T THE CHANCES OF CATCHING IT GREATER WHEN A DOG IS IN A KENNEL? Yes…because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home… proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease (these same factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog boards at a kennel, the greater are the chances that he will acquire an immunity to the disease. Even during a widespread outbreak, only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are affected. ARE THESE VIRUSES A CONSTANT PROBLEM? No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the outbreak is over, they might not see another case for months. CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO PROTECT HIM AGAINST TRACHEOBRONCHITIS? Yes! Vaccines against Parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other vaccines) are routinely used as part of an adult dog's yearly check up. Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with distemper, hepatitis, and parvo virus in a series of immunizations. It is important to note that the vaccines that are used to prevent this viral disease are made from one strain of over 100 different strains of the virus and therefore are not as effective against some strains as other. Some strains are not included in any vaccine; therefore, there is no prevention against them. Intra-nasal vaccines are also available for Bordetella bronchiseptica (another cause of canine cough). Although some veterinary practices do not use this vaccination routinely, it should be considered for pets that board or for those whose veterinarian recommends it. Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a program of preventive health care management depending on your pet's needs. CAN'T THE KENNEL PREVENT MY DOG FROM CATCHING TRACHEOBRONCHITIS? Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" an airborne virus. All that a good boarding kennel can do is to recommend immunization against Tracheobronchitis, refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. (Strangely, the dog with Parainfluenza alone my not appear ill, yet is contagious.) You have a right to expect a kennel to provide the best possible care just as a kennel has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care. Your Pet Care Services Association member is devoted to your pet's well being. Look for his/her membership certificate proudly displayed. VETERINARY CARE WARRANTY PROGRAM Bass Pet Resort & Spa offers a low cost Veterinary Care Warranty Program on cats and dogs boarded that are over (6) months of age and that are not over (7) seven years old for dogs and cats that are not over (8) eight years old. For more information on additional exclusions, please speak to a customer service representative. The cost of the insurance is $5.00 per pet, per stay and will cover up to $500 in veterinary costs. You will be offered the option to accept or decline this offer at the time you check in. RELATED RESOURCES Fleas and ticks are a constant problem for almost all pet owner's If your dog or cat goes out-of-doors chances are that your pet has been exposed to these parasites as well as others including mosquitoes. Little can be done to stop exposure but products are available to aid in the treatment and to prevent infestation. Treatments have to be applied on a regular basis and you should inspect your pet often. Ticks start out being very small and the first place to find them on your pet is usually between their toes. All that it takes for your pet to come into contact with these pests is a brush against a bush, shrub, or a walk in the grass. These insects are common in the out-of door environment and readily attach themselves to any host mammal. Ticks and fleas carry many diseases including Lyme disease. Here at Bass Pet Resort & Spa we inspect every animal for ticks and fleas before boarding. Every effort is made to house animals in a clean and safe environment but, ticks and fleas do sometimes occur and whenever they are discovered treatment is applied. Controls are always in place to eliminate control these pests and no chemicals that would be harmful to animals are ever used. Only approved flea and tick shampoos, dips, and sprays are used. Heart worms are deadly to dogs and every dog should be on a regimented preventive treatment program. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites to your dog. Once in the blood stream these parasites attach themselves to the inside of the blood vessels in the heart. As they grow larger they restrict blood flow weakening the animal and eventually cause death. Heartgard or an approved medication by your veterinarian should be given to your dog on a monthly basis to prevent and kill these parasites.
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