Kennel cough is the common name for a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It is called kennel cough because if one dog in a kennel has the infection, the rest of the dogs will probably get it overnight. Even dogs vaccinated against kennel cough can catch it. Due to this high level of communicability, strict isolation protocol must be implemented as soon as it the disease is noted.
Things You'll Need
- Foot tub
- Bleach
- Towels
- Latex gloves
- Coveralls
- Trash cans
- Trash bags
- Scrub brushes
Instructions
Isolation and infection control
Isolated the affected dogs in a separate kennel area. Ideally this should not share the same space as other dogs but be completely walled off. Kennel cough can be spread by the airborne particles released in a cough.
Set up a foot bath in the tub using a ten percent bleach and ninety percent water solution. The tub for the foot bath can be made from just about any plastic tub as long as it is big enough to fit both feet of the average adult. Placing a towel in the tub will prevent the bleach solution from splashing all over.
Place disposable gloves and coveralls at the entry to the isolation area. Every time you enter the area you should put on a new pair of gloves and a clean disposable coverall. These can be purchased at a farm supply store.
Set up trash cans at the entry to the isolation area for the disposable gloves and coveralls. New ones should be used every time anyone enters the isolation area to maximize sanitation. When throwing out the trash, do not put it where dogs can get to it.
Scrub down the entire kennel area daily with the bleach solution. Scrubbing the area down will increase the likelihood that you will kill the bacteria causing kennel cough.