At Wet Noses, we treat every pup like family, and that means keeping our noses to the ground when it comes to their health and well-being. One of the most common canine colds we encounter is kennel cough, and we want to share a little more information on this bark-worthy topic to keep you and your furry friends in the loop!
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is basically the doggy version of a cold. Much like how kids pick up the sniffles at school, dogs can catch this common upper respiratory infection while playing with their pack at daycare or boarding. It spreads easily, but luckily, it’s usually mild and resolves on its own—though we know no one likes to hear their pup coughing or sounding hoarse!
Home Remedies for a Pawsitive Recovery
When your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, you can help soothe them with some simple remedies at home. Think of it like how you’d care for a kid with the sniffles:
Rest is best: Allow your pup to rest up and avoid any high-energy activities.
Humidifiers: Keeping the air moist can help ease their throat irritation.
Hydration: Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water—hydration helps speed up recovery.
Honey: A teaspoon of honey can help soothe your dog's throat, just like a spoonful for us humans!
When is it Time for Antibiotics?
In most cases, kennel cough clears up with some TLC within a week or two. However, if your pup's cough lingers beyond that or if you notice symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, or green nasal discharge, it’s best to consult your vet. Sometimes, secondary infections can develop, and antibiotics may be needed to nip the sickness in the bud.
Wet Noses Protocol: Sniffle Solutions in Action
At Wet Noses, we take kennel cough seriously, which is why we have a strict protocol in place whenever we hear those tell-tale coughs. Here’s what happens when a pup starts feeling under the weather:
Isolation for Healing: To prevent the sniffles from spreading, we immediately isolate any coughing dog and contact their pet parent. Your dog’s health and the health of our other daycare pups are always our priority.
Sanitizing Superstars: Our cleaning routine kicks into high gear! We disinfect water bowls and toys daily, ensuring everything your dog touches is squeaky clean. Each boarding pup has their own stainless steel water bucket, so no cross-contamination here!
Vet-Grade Disinfecting: We go beyond the basics by sanitizing the floors, play equipment, and every surface with a vet-grade disinfectant to keep the germs at bay. Your dog's play space is as safe as it can be!
A Clean Start for Every Pup
While kennel cough is a part of the doggy daycare experience, much like a child getting a cold at school, we’re always here to help prevent it as much as possible. With our paws-on approach to cleanliness and your help at home, we can keep your pups happy, healthy, and ready for more fun!
Remember, a little cough can be common, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way! If you ever have questions or notice your dog isn't feeling quite themselves, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make sure every bark and wag stays joyful at Wet Noses!
Keep those tails wagging,The Wet Noses Team
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