06/12/2026
🐾 Help Us Keep Every Pet Safe & Healthy 🐾
At Paws and Claws Pet Resort, the health and safety of every pet in our care is our highest priority. We ask for your help in preventing the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses.
If Your Dog Is Coughing, Please Keep Them Home
Unfortunately, we cannot tell the difference between a cough caused by allergies and a cough caused by a contagious respiratory illness such as CIRD (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex), commonly called "kennel cough."
Because of this, any dog that arrives coughing may be turned away for the safety of every pet in our care.
Does Your Dog Cough Because They Pull on the Leash?
If your dog tends to cough after pulling on their leash, please carry them into the building whenever possible.
While we understand that leash pulling can irritate a dog's throat, we have no way of knowing whether the cough is from irritation or a contagious illness. For everyone's protection, we must treat every unexplained cough as potentially contagious.
Where Does CIRD ("Kennel Cough") Come From?
Despite its name, "kennel cough" is a bit misleading. Dogs are most commonly exposed through places such as:
• Dog parks
• Social gatherings with other dogs
• Pet-friendly restaurants and events
• Veterinary clinics
• Grooming facilities
• Anywhere dogs gather together
CIRD is airborne, much like the common cold in people. It is brought into facilities by exposed dogs—it does not originate here.
Some dogs may carry the illness without showing any symptoms at all. Others may develop symptoms anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure, while some may begin coughing much sooner. Because of this, it is impossible for anyone to know with certainty whether an exposed dog is carrying the illness when they arrive.
Vaccination Is Important—But Not Perfect
We require dogs to be vaccinated against Bordetella because it helps reduce the severity of illness and provides important protection.
However, the Bordetella vaccine does not protect against every strain of CIRD, and breakthrough cases can still occur. This is why keeping coughing dogs at home is one of the most effective ways to protect all pets.
We Understand Some Dogs Have Medical Conditions
Dogs that have been diagnosed by a veterinarian with conditions such as tracheal collapse or certain forms of heart disease may have a chronic, non-contagious cough. We understand these situations and are happy to work with those families.
Thank You for Helping Us Protect Every Dog
This time of year, respiratory illnesses tend to become more common as dogs are spending more time in social settings.
Your cooperation makes a tremendous difference. By keeping coughing pets at home and helping us identify potential illness early, you're helping protect every dog that walks through our doors.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Paws and Claws family safe, healthy, and happy! 🐾
