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NOTE:
the above article mainly deals with dogs that are "athletes" or being used for search and rescue, therapy dogs,
etc. Feel free to discuss this with YOUR vet. This is NOT FOR PETS PURCHASED AS FAMILY/COMPANION DOGS.
TO ALL DOG OWNERS:
Boarding is a stressful situation that can lower animals'
immune status; therefore an intranasal kennel cough vaccine is recommended EVERY
6 MONTHS for any dogs that are boarded regularly and/or go to social places (doggie day care, dog parks,
etc). Kennel cough is a two-part disease that first involves something to cause rawness or lesions in the throat followed
by colonization by bateria that normally reside there. Viral and environmental factors (i.e., humdity, heat, dust) can
cause the lesions that allow the bacteria to evolve into the symptoms of kennel cough. We recommend vaccination for
kennel cough at least 5-7 days prior to boarding and/or other social events. As with any vaccine, it is not 100% effective,
but vaccinating will reduce greatly the risk.
Dr. Carter L. Burkey, DVM 804-530-1513
NOTICE
TO OUR CLIENTS:
We have contacted 10 of the most reputatible veterinarians in the area (ie. Betty Baugh, Dr. Bill,
Locke Taylor, Bermuda Hundred and others) and asked them about how often should we recommend bordatella vaccines
to be given: Here are our results!
#1- 7 out of 10 are recommending to their owners that bordatella should be given
via injection or intranasally every 6 months.
#2- Betty Baugh is the ONLY one who went one step further and told
us they recommend 1 x a year to give the shot....and 6 months later give the intranasal vaccine. She indicated that
this way... you are boosting immunity and are also covering a variety of bordatella strains (ie. think about the flu
vaccine in humans...every year there are different combinations of the vaccine to protect us from various varieties of flu-
same applies to dogs).
**We want to INFORM and PROTECT our clients the same way**
If your dog exhibits symptoms such as a persistent coughing, hacking, or
is producing phlegm... seek veterinary care immediately. Most dogs are being prescribed antibiotics or cough suppressants.
In some cases, WE are finding some symptoms first thought to be Bordatella (or kennel cough) are actually upper respiratory
infections (which can sometimes mimic the symptoms of kennel cough). In both cases, treatment is the very same.
It is important to administer antibiotics as soon as possible. If treated quickly symptoms due to an upper respiratory
infection are dissappearing within 48 hours up to 5 days. Once antibiotics have been given, if it is truly Kennel Cough
it may take longer to see an improvement in your dog (s). Symptoms can last sometimes as long as 10-14 days.
As you see from the letter above, Dr. Burkey is recommending intranasal application of the bordatella vaccine every 6 months.
Especially with the variations in temperature we have been seeing this summer and speaking with Dr. Burkey, he is EXPECTING
to see an increase in kennel cough symptoms as of the July 4th Holiday no matter where you are boarding, or if you
are taking your dog(s) to public parks.
Bottom line: if you see symptoms seek veterinary help asap!
Thank You!
Break of Dawn Management
OUR NEW POLICY:
Will require bordatella
vaccines every 6 months. You will need to have the vaccine administered no later than 5-7 days prior to boarding.
If OUR POLICY IS NOT ADHERED TO....we will not be responsible if your dog (s) are infected with kennel cough.
HOT SPOTS
We have also seen in some longer haired dogs hot
spots developing with the fluctuation in temperatures. This is also a problem in the summer months. Please keep
an eye out for your dogs and their coats.
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