Canine Cough Advisory
 

October 2025 update   

 

RVC's most recent reported cases:

We believe in total transparency when it comes to the issue of canine cough.  Previous to this most recent isolated case (a confirmed "light case" on 10/31/2025), the next most recent isolated case occurred here in Sept 2024.

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Canine cough (also known as kennel cough, and canine cold virus) is typically very treatable and common, but also highly contagious; it can travel considerable distances through the air and survive on shared objects.  It typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks, though there have been cases that have lasted up to 6 weeks.  Nonetheless, if you notice symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away to prevent complications from lack of treatment.  If you have more than one dog in the household, all dogs should be monitored for first presentation of symptoms.

 

Not all dogs carrying canine cough show symptoms, and therefore, they can easily expose other dogs. Any place where two or more dogs congregate, or handling of your dog by a person who has recently contacted other dogs, can be a potential exposure site or source — your veterinary clinic, the park, a dog walker, a trainer, a neighbor’s fence, a multi-dog household, grooming salons, daycare, and yes, boarding facilities... While maintaining a clean and well-managed facility is essential for reducing risk, it is rarely enough to completely prevent viruses from appearing from time to time.

 

During peak travel and holiday seasons, in our continued effort to be vigilant about canine cough management, we may perform select and random temperature checks of dogs in our care. 

 

Please do not bring a suspected sick or exposed dog out into the public -- dogs who test with elevated temperature or exhibit illness symptoms such as cough, nasal and eye discharge (congestion), or lethargy, will be delayed from check-in until we receive a health clearance from their veterinarian.  If a dog becomes suspected of illness during their stay with us, we will immediately quarantine and contact the owner (and contact owners of dogs who may have come into proximity with the suspected dog).

 

IMPORTANT:  If you suspect symptoms, promptly contact your veterinarian for treatment options and continue to monitor your dog for any worsening symptoms.  Be advised that dogs who have compromised immune systems, who are senior citizens, or are under age 6 months are susceptible to complications.  
 

What we do to help prevent and control canine cough:

The largest ongoing issue for any dog congregation area or facility is asymptomatic dogs introducing the virus. 

 

While the Bordetella (and canine influenza) vaccine are required to enter this kennel, it is not 100% protection for your dog; but in most cases if they do get it, it may reduce their symptoms (but is not guaranteed to reduce symptoms).  RVC does not do "group play" primarily for behavioral and training reasons; this has the added benefit of significantly reducing canine cough exposure between dogs.   We have trained our staff to be vigilant for signs of the cough, including conducting at check-in screening, and when we know canine cough may be making its rounds in our community (local veterinarian and government advisories), we add routine ear temperature checks.  We clean and disinfect all of our kennels (and launder linens) every 24 hrs minimum, and more frequently, as needed.  We use veterinary-grade disinfectants, fresh air circulation throughout the kennel 24/7, place dogs strategically in the kennel, close off wings with separate HVAC systems, dogs spend more time outside vs. inside, and allow no contact between dogs.  Canine cough season, for all kennels and any other clinic or park where dogs congregate, includes any time when the numbers of dogs increase—especially peak vacation times and major holidays. 

Please do not bring a suspected sick or exposed dog out into the public, and follow your veterinarian's guidance about when it is safe to reintroduce your dog to normal activities.

 

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