07/03/2026
🚨 KENNEL COUGH UPDATE 🐾
As many of you may have heard, there has been an increase in kennel cough cases in our area. I wanted to take a moment to share some helpful information and ask everyone to do their part in keeping our local dogs healthy.
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory illness that can spread very easily anywhere dogs spend time around one another. Whether it’s during walks, at the groomer, boarding, daycare, the veterinarian’s office, dog parks, pet stores, or any other place dogs visit, exposure is always possible.
The virus and bacteria that cause kennel cough can spread through coughing, sneezing, barking, direct contact with other dogs, shared water bowls or toys, and contaminated surfaces. One of the reasons it spreads so easily is because some dogs are contagious before they ever develop a cough or show any other signs of illness.
Signs to watch for include:
🐶 A dry, hacking cough
🐶 Gagging or coughing after excitement
🐶 Sneezing
🐶 Runny nose or watery eyes
🐶 Feeling more tired than usual
🐶 Reduced appetite
🐶 Fever in some cases
If your dog begins showing any of these symptoms, please keep them at home and contact your veterinarian for guidance. It’s also a good idea to avoid places where dogs gather until your veterinarian says your pet is no longer contagious.
It’s important to remember that kennel cough is not necessarily the result of poor sanitation or negligence. Because dogs can carry and spread the illness before showing symptoms, even businesses that clean thoroughly and follow strict health protocols can unknowingly have an infected dog visit their facility.
The best way we can all help reduce the spread is by:
✔️ Keeping your dog’s vaccines current and talking with your veterinarian about Bordetella and other recommended respiratory vaccines.
✔️ Keeping your dog home if they’re coughing or not feeling well.
✔️ Letting me know as soon as possible if your dog develops symptoms before a scheduled grooming appointment so we can find a better time to get them looking their best.
Thank you for helping protect not only your own dog, but every dog in our community. A little extra caution goes a long way, and I truly appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation. ❤️🐾