It's always something!!! The beagle has kennel cough.

[Critters2]

And she got it from a kennel. Brought her home from camp yesterday, and she started this awful hacking cough in the car on the way home. Didn't eat her breakfast this morning (so you KNOW she's sick!). We have an appointment this afternoon, but I'm sure it's infectious tracheobronchitis, ie kennel cough, from descriptions I've read on a bunch of sites. And from the fact that she sounds EXACTLY like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3RpoU0qXw&NR=1

She's been vaccinated, but apparently the vaccine isn't 100% effective. She seems just miserable, so I hope they can at least give her something to calm the cough. The vet tech told me to give her two baby aspirin, in case there's a fever, so I've done that, and she's asleep right now. But during the night, she would wake out of a dead sleep coughing. Poor beagly-girl.

Since she had that hemorrhagic gastroenteritis a few weeks ago, I'm gonna really press the doc about whether there's something going on that she's getting sick so much. I'll ask for a really thorough exam. I'm one of those annoying parents. :)

[flvegan]

1. Poor thing.

Hope she's better soon.

[Critters2]

2. Thanks, flvegan.

I'm debating whether I should call the boarding kennel--after I get a definite diagnosis--and tell them she caught this there. You might know...are there precautions they can take so other dogs don't catch it, do ya think?

[flvegan]

3. If she's diagnosed with it, you need to call them.

They need to call any owners that had dogs in there with yours and told that they may have been exposed and to watch out for symptoms. Also, they need to disinfect/Odoban the floors and walls of the kennels there.

Also, that is highly contagious so try to keep her away from any other dogs until the sickness is completely gone.

[Critters2]

6. Thanks. I'll do all of these things. I've already called her rally-o coach,

and told her we won't be at class tonight, and why. She agreed with me that the beag probably caught it at camp, but said she'd tell others in class to watch their dogs for symptoms. She also confirmed that I should alert the kennel if it is kennel cough.

We're going to the vet soon. I'll report in when we get back.

[dgibby]

10. Odoban=best cleaning product ever!

I love that stuff. Use it on everything, including laundry. Sam's club carries it, and now Wal-Mart carries the yard spray. I know, I know, but I only shop those 2 places for stuff I can't get anywhere else.

Sure hope the beagley gets better soon.

[flvegan]

11. Agreed. Home Depot also carries it now.

Love that stuff.

[mnhtnbb]

4. Poor baby. Hope she's better soon. We've always tried to get

someone to house sit, or make pet visits, so the fur babies could stay home when we travel. I hate to
kennel the animals--but there have been times nothing else would work.

Our vet and kennel require all pets to have current vaccines in order to board: did your kennel check on yours when beagly-girl boarded? If they didn't ask you, they may not be checking everyone.

I would let them know if/when you get diagnosis confirmed.

[Critters2]

5. I don't usually board her for very long, but she goes when I'm gone on retreat

or to meetings overnight. She actually likes going to "camp". I pay extra for outdoor play sessions, and I think she likes that she can go outside whenever she wants, through the doggie door. She gets very excited when we turn down the road to "camp".

I boarded her because I was traveling around while on vacation, staying with different friends, some of whom are allergic or have dogs who might not appreciate a visitor. And because I didn't want to take the risk that she might end up in the car for very long when it was hot or cold (and it was both in Iowa last week). This just seemed like the best option, especially considering that she doesn't mind being boarded.

I will call them and tell them she's got it, if the vet confirms my suspicions.

[Critters2]

7. Update: Diagnosis confirmed. It is tracheobronchitis (kennel cough).

She's on cephalexin, and acetominophen with codeine. I also asked if cats can get it, since Leon, who loves the beagle with an intensity that gets downright creepy, runs to her and starts madly grooming when she coughs. He's a great nurse, but I don't want him to get sick, too. The vet didn't think Leon was at risk.

I've given her both meds (in canned food, which is a special treat around here--so she's happy!) and she already seems to be sacked out. Codeine is a wonderful drug, if I recall correctly from my post-op experience.

I've called the boarding kennel, and told the woman there. She said she'd disinfect Gracie's kennel carefully, and call other customers.

[DemBones DemBones]

9. The beagle's name is Gracie?

Our priest had a dog named Gracie; must be a clerical thing. ;-)

[Critters2]

12. Must be. That's her name. Gracie. Grace Lucille when she's in trouble. :)

[RebelOne]

8. Yes, my dogs have had that expedience.

I boarded my Rottweiler for a week at the vet because I went to Colorado on vacation. She was vaccinated for kennel cough, but when I got her home, she had it. Fortunately, it didn't last long and she recovered.

Then this year, I sent my Chihuahua puppy for 2 weeks to Man's Best Friend to puppy boot camp. They vaccinated her for kennel cough and she also came home with it. She recovered also. I do not believe in giving dogs these shots because it doesn't do one damn bit of good. But you cannot board your dog anywhere unless it is vaccinated for kennel cough.