Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer: The Importance of Kennel Cough and Rabies Vaccinations
Summer is a time for relaxation, travel, and fun. For many pet owners, this season also means boarding their beloved pets in kennels while they embark on their adventures. Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations, particularly for kennel cough and rabies, is crucial to keep them healthy and safe during their stay. Here’s why these vaccinations are especially important during the summer holidays.
Kennel Cough Vaccination
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It spreads quickly in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities. Symptoms include a persistent, honking cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever.
Why is the Kennel Cough Vaccination Important?
Why is Kennel Cough Vaccination Important?
- Prevention of Illness: The kennel cough vaccine helps protect your dog from contracting this uncomfortable and sometimes serious illness. Even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent infection entirely, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Protection in High-Risk Environments: Boarding kennels, especially during busy holiday seasons, are high-risk environments for the spread of kennel cough. Vaccination reduces the risk of your dog catching and spreading the disease to other pets.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your dog is vaccinated allows you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about their health. A vaccinated pet is a safer pet, giving you one less thing to stress about.
Rabies Vaccination
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is typically spread through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination crucial.
Why is the Rabies Vaccination Important?
- Legal Requirement: In many areas, rabies vaccination is legally required for pets. Boarding kennels often require proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination before accepting your pet.
- Human and Animal Safety: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccinating your pet protects not only them but also you, your family, and anyone else who may come into contact with your pet.
- Travel Requirements: If your summer plans include traveling across state lines or internationally, you’ll likely need proof of rabies vaccination. Ensuring your pet’s vaccination is current can save you from travel delays or complications.
Preparing for Boarding Checklist:
Check Vaccination Records:
Ensure your pet’s vaccinations for kennel cough, rabies, and other required vaccines are up-to-date. Schedule any necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.
Visit your Vet
A pre-boarding vet check-up can help identify any potential health issues and ensure your pet is fit for boarding.
Update Identification
Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are current. This ensures they can be easily identified if they get lost.
Pack Comfort Items
Include your pet’s favorite toys, bedding, and food to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Review Kennel Policies
Familiarise yourself with the boarding kennel’s policies on vaccinations, health checks, and emergency procedures.
Vaccinating your pet against kennel cough and rabies is a vital step in preparing for their stay in a boarding kennel during the summer holidays. These vaccinations not only protect your pet from serious illnesses but also contribute to the safety and well-being of all pets in the kennel. By ensuring your pet is vaccinated, you can enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your furry friend is protected.
For more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment:
Let’s make this summer safe and enjoyable for everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike!
Thank you for reading, until next time…