Your pup's health is our top priority at Camp, and our team takes every precaution to help ensure a safe environment for your furry family member. We always strive to keep our pet parents informed and to educate general symptoms of common infections out of an abundance of caution.
Upper respiratory infections, such as canine / kennel cough, for a dog are most common and are similar to the common cold in humans. Symptoms may include:
- Strong cough, often with a "honking" sound
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
If you observe these symptoms, please DO NOT bring your dog into Camp. Canine / kennel cough is contagious, and we want to avoid spreading of the virus. Please contact your vet for an appointment and please do alert us so that we can track appropriately.
Common Question/Answers
My dog received his Bordetella vaccination so he can't get kennel cough correct?
This is not correct. Bordetella is effective for combating approximately 64% of the known strains of kennel cough. Similar to our human flu vaccinations, getting the human flu shot does not mean you won't get the flu. It simply helps minimize the risk of getting the flu. Bordetella simply helps minimize the risk of a dog becoming infected with kennel cough.
What steps do you take at Camp to minimize the spread of kennel cough?
We require all pups be current on their Bordetella vaccinations (Updated every 6 months for Oral and annually for Injection and Intranasal). Bordetella works on approximately 64% of strains of the virus. We listen and watch for any signs of illness and quickly isolate dogs showing possible signs of kennel cough. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols to help reduce the spread of the airborne virus – including daily deep cleaning of all areas and a UV light integration into our HVAC system. We require an in-area emergency contact to act as an agent on behalf of the pet parent to ensure timely removal from the facility. We also require confirmed cases complete any medication and the Camper to be symptom free.
My dog coughed a few times overnight but doesn't seem sick. He's eating fine and seems his "normal self." Can he come to Camp?
Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that you keep him home to monitor and contact your vet if the coughing persists.
What is the typical treatment for kennel cough?
Treatment is generally limited to symptomatic relief with antibiotics, in some cases a cough suppressant, and rest. We recommend consultation with your vet if you observe symptoms.
The vet confirmed (or suspects) my dog has kennel cough. Aside from treatment, what should I do?
Please contact Camp to report the case. We track all health concerns so that we can monitor.
When can a dog with kennel cough return to Camp?
We ask that the dog complete all medications and be symptom free before returning to Camp.