HEAD: It’s Cold & Flu Season for Your Dog, Too!
You’re probably aware that dogs can get “cold” viruses and bacterial infections because it’s common practice to give them Bordetella vaccines, which help prevent these illnesses. But did you know that the chances of them catching one of these viruses is greater in some seasons, just like with people? With increases in boarding, daycare and traveling during the holidays, we see more “kennel cough” and canine influenza in the winter months.
Here are some tips for making the season easier for all pet owners:
- Vaccinate! If you are taking your dogs to play areas, pet stores or other doggy gathering places, make sure your pups are vaccinated. If you notice dogs coughing in these spaces, consider leaving and coming back another time. The organisms causing diseases like Bordetella and canine flu are airborne, so it’s easy for dogs to pass them on. Even the cleanest kennels can’t always prevent an outbreak.
- Keep coughing dogs home. If your dog is coughing or showing other signs, please don’t bring him or her to play or boarding. We are happy to see your pet and prescribe medicine when necessary! But, since no vaccine is 100% effective, we ask you to keep coughing pets away from group situations until they have not been coughing for about three days.
No one can prevent all cold and flu infections, but by being careful and considerate, we can reduce exposure. If you’d like to update your pet’s vaccines or have questions about canine colds and flu, get in touch with us at XXXX by calling 999.999.9999.