25/07/2026
🐾 Understanding Kennel Cough 🐾
With kennel cough being talked about so much lately, I thought I’d share some facts to help everyone understand it a little better.
One of the most common questions I’ve been asked recently is:
“Aren’t the dogs vaccinated?”
The answer is yes—and vaccination is still strongly recommended. However, just like the human flu vaccine, the kennel cough vaccine does not guarantee a dog won’t catch kennel cough.
Kennel cough isn’t caused by just one virus or bacteria. It can be caused by several different organisms, and while the vaccine protects against the most common ones and often reduces the severity and duration of illness, vaccinated dogs can still become infected.
Despite the name, kennel cough is not just caught at boarding kennels. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be picked up anywhere dogs come into contact with other dogs or contaminated environments.
Dogs can be exposed at:�• Dog parks�• Vet clinics�• Groomers�• Training classes�• Doggy day care�• Pet-friendly cafés and shops�• Dog shows and events�• On walks or anywhere infected dogs have recently been
Because dogs mix in so many different environments, there is always a small risk of kennel cough wherever dogs come together. Even with vaccination, strict hygiene practices, thorough cleaning and disinfection, it is impossible for any facility or dog gathering to guarantee that kennel cough will never occur. The goal is to minimise the risk as much as possible through vaccination, good hygiene, prompt isolation of affected dogs and responsible pet ownership.
Incubation period: Usually 2–14 days after exposure.
How long does it last? Most healthy dogs recover within 1–3 weeks, although the cough can sometimes linger a little longer. Puppies, elderly dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions may become more seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian promptly.
The most common sign is a dry, hacking cough that often sounds like your dog has something stuck in its throat. Some dogs may also gag after coughing.
If your dog develops a cough, please keep them away from other dogs until they have fully recovered. This simple step helps reduce the spread throughout our community.
At All Seasons Boarding Kennels, the health and wellbeing of every dog is our highest priority. We have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols and will continue to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for every guest. While no facility where dogs come together can ever eliminate the risk entirely, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and infection control to keep that risk as low as possible.
We also ask for your help. If your dog develops a cough in the days leading up to their booking, or within 2–14 days after staying with us, please let us know as soon as possible. Likewise, if your dog has recently been around another dog with a cough, please contact us before their stay. Early communication allows us to take appropriate precautions, monitor the health of dogs that may have been exposed and help minimise the spread.
Thank you to everyone who has been understanding, honest and supportive throughout this. By working together, we can help reduce the spread and keep our dogs as healthy as possible. ❤️
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If you have any questions please ask
