December 2005

Cough free Canines

Pre-planning for your dog’s vaccination requirements will save time if you are arranging to board your pet over the summer holiday.    To ensure they remain happy and healthy during their stay in kennels, we advise that you include protection against a debilitating disease called Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough).

Kennel cough can spread like wildfire when dogs are in a close environment and be very unpleasant for your pet if it is not protected!  It is highly contagious, can affect the respiratory tract and is easily passed from dog-to-dog by airborne droplets (coughing or sneezing) and direct nose-to-nose contact.   In fact, a single infected animal is enough to cause a whole outbreak within kennels!

No dog is safe, whatever its age, unless protected.  Signs include a harsh, dry, whooping-type cough which can last for several weeks.    In some cases, more serious complications can arise, such as pneumonia, which could prove fatal in old, weak or very young dogs.

However, protection is at hand.  Our practice uses a vaccine which will safeguard your pet and offer immunity for a full 12 months – so you can protect your pet for this summers holidays as well as future holidays you plan to take this year, all in one visit!  The vaccine is easy to administer - just a few drops gently trickled into one nostril – and gives immunity in just 72 hours!   Ideally your dog should be vaccinated at least two weeks before arrival at the kennel, leaving you free to prepare for your break.

Simply phone us on 01752 567 567 or one of the Elm Vet Group Clinics in Plymouth from the list on the right to book a pre-holiday pet health check for your dog.

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