Kennel Cough

We were warned at our classes the other night that two of the dogs who normally attend were absent because of Kennel Cough and it wasn't known whether or not they picked it up at the classes.
I mentioned that Bacchus had received the vaccine prior to going into kennels a couple of weeks earlier. Is it true, as stated by someone at the class, that the vaccine doesn't stop the dog contracting this ailment, but that kennels insist on all boarders having it ?
Am I missing something here? It seems a bit pointless if that's the case.

I believe the vaccine makes them immune. If not I'd be very surprised and a bit upset considering all the shots I've got myself as well as Suki

I would hope it makes them immune but I'm not sure I'm sure someone will pop along soon with some advice

Kennel cough is a virus, and although you can get a vaccine it will only cover one strain of the virus - a bit like the flu.

Kennels ask for the vaccine because it reduces the chances of it getting a hold, but it isn't guaranteed.

basically the KC vaccine is almost useless there are sooooooo many strains of KC and the vaccine only covers a couple, and badly at that

Thanks for the replies guys.
Basically a waste of money then??

bascially yes, unless you are definitely going to board your dog, i wouldn't bother

reuben wrote:Thanks for the replies guys.
Basically a waste of money then??

I got it done when Dempsey had his 1st puppy jabs, but that was because he was going into a kennel for a week. I've not repeated them & I won't (unless there's a specific reason again). As Ella says, they only cover a couple of strains, and even then it might not be 100% effective.

ella wrote:bascially yes, unless you are definitely going to board your dog, i wouldn't bother

That's why I got him done but was under the ( wrong ) impression that it protected him.

like i said if you are going to need to board him or put him in kennels, then i think 99% of them require dogs to have a KC vacs

If not and you aren't going to board him then i personally wouldn't waste your money

ella wrote:like i said if you are going to need to board him or put him in kennels, then i think 99% of them require dogs to have a KC vacs

If not and you aren't going to board him then i personally wouldn't waste your money

Same here.

He was done about 5 weeks ago for the Easter hols. How long does it last ( for keneling purposes ) ?

I think it's 6 months, but you'd need to check with your vets.

It reduces there chances and it is the responsible thing to do. The vet told me they can catch it anywhere outside.

garempots wrote:It reduces there chances and it is the responsible thing to do. The vet told me they can catch it anywhere outside.

It reduces their chances of getting one strain of KC. However, if there's no reason to give it (ie if there's no particular increase of kc in your area, or if you don't intend to kennel your dog) then don't.