WHAT IS AN UPPER RESPIRATORY VIRUS?
In dogs this is similar to a chest cold in humans, and unless there are other complicated issues present, the seriousness of the virus is about the same. And just like the common cold, it’s highly contagious and it can easily be picked up anywhere!
PREVENTING KENNEL COUGH
The only way to prevent your dog from ever getting kennel cough or other infectious diseases is to not expose him or her to other dogs or even anywhere another dog could have been. That means never taking them out of the house for walks, the virus can is airborne and can linger on the grass if an infected dog coughs or sneezes as they are walking by. Never taking them to a groomer, or to a pet store, dog training classes, agility or even your Vet. Sounds impossible to avoid doesn’t it? Preventing kennel cough in dogs is not 100% possible. Happy Houndz has strict cleaning procedures that we adhere to meticulously to avoid outbreaks from occurring. We have air and surface purifiers that destroy 99% of airborne and 95% of surface borne bacteria and viruses. This purification system, along with our daily cleaning protocol, helps us keep your pets protected against viruses.
SYMPTOMS OF AN UPPER RESPIRATORY VIRUS
An infected dog will show NO symptoms for 5-14 days before presenting a cough that sounds like honking, often described as it sounding like the dog has something stuck in their throat. Similar to how humans experience colds, each dog will experience kennel couch differently. The infection may range from a mild cough and runny nose to a more serious ‘cold’ involving a ‘honking’ cough, runny nose, reverse sneezing, runny eyes, lethargic behaviour and loss of appetite. In most cases symptoms will last for one to two weeks. Dog’s can go without showing symptoms for up to two weeks, and continue to shed the virus for up to two weeks after they have stopped showing symptoms.
OUR POLICY IF WE SUSPECT YOUR PET HAS AN UPPER RESPIRATORY VIRUS
Happy Houndz will remove your pup from the others in a separate room and call you, or your emergency contact for immediate pickup. If you suspect your dog may be sick let us know, and please air on the side of caution by not bring your dog for the safety of all our daycare and boarding guests. Before returning to daycare, it is best to wait 10-14 days after your dog stops showing symptoms to resume playing with the other pups here. Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy!
