Dogs are not always able to go with their owner, so boarding a dog may be necessary sometimes. This is especially true if an owner must travel for business or the dog suffers from separation anxiety during the day while the owner is at work. No matter how long the stay at a boarding facility, the owner should be aware of any potential illnesses that may spread through contact with other dogs at a boarding kennel.
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Kennel Cough
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Kennel cough, also known as bordetella and canine cough, occurs when a dog becomes infected with a parainfluenza virus, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. When infected, the dog may have a dry, hacking cough, loss of appetite, fever and nasal discharge. Kennel cough, in mild to severe forms, may require veterinary care. Cough suppressants or antibiotics may be used to treat and sooth the dog̵7;s symptoms.
Canine Distemper
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Canine distemper is a contagious disease spread through dog-to-dog contact. This virus can incubate for up to three weeks, making it impossible for owners to realize their dog is infected prior to or after boarding. Signs of canine distemper include loss of appetite, lethargy, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The dog should be brought to a veterinarian immediately, as treatment is vital and he may need to be quarantined. However, because of the highly aggressive nature of this illness, not all dogs will survive.
Canine Hepatitis
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Canine hepatitis can incubate for up to a week in a dog, so detection prior to boarding is nearly impossible. Dogs who are infected with hepatitis may become ill within 24 hours following the initial incubation period. Hepatitis is spread by the consumption of contaminated items. Contamination can occur through contact with the feces, saliva or urine of an infected dog. Symptoms including pale gums, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fever. The dog should be seen by a veterinarian immediately for treatment, though it's possible the virus will continue to shed through his urine.
Canine Parvovirus
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Parvovirus can incubate for up to five days in a dog, so immediate detection is not always possible. This virus is spread through the feces of an infected dog but it may also be carried on shoes, clothing or other items that may have come into contact with an infected canine. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and changes in behavior, such as depression. Veterinary care is a necessity, as lack of treatment can cause death because of severe dehydration. Unfortunately, parvovirus is extremely persistent and may remain in kennels, homes and other locations for up to one year; even with aggressive disinfectant techniques.
Coronavirus
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Canine coronavirus is less common, though it may be spread easily in large groups of dogs from different areas. It is similar to the canine parvovirus. However, it is less likely a dog with coronavirus will die from the infection. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and depression. These dogs require immediate veterinary care, as hospitalization may be necessary for survival.
Rabies
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The rabies virus is passed through the saliva of an infected animal and usually dogs come into contact with an infected animal prior to boarding. However, it is always a possibility that an infected animal may attempt to enter the boarding facility. Since the virus can incubate in a dog for up to several months, it is possible for a dog to pass the virus while being boarded. Rabies causes the infected dog to undergo a personality change. Some dogs may become extremely vicious, while others may become shy, affectionate or paralytic. Unfortunately, the vast majority of dogs will die within 15 days of displaying symptoms.
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