The sneezing I posted about earler this week has developed into a good going raspy cough this evening for my littlest pup.(3.5Kg 18 week old Bichon) They were all sneezing but she's the only cougher so far. She sounds really awful and she's very snuffly in her upper respiratory area. I've given her 5ml of Bennylin. I will phone the vet tomorrow as the surgery is an open one between 12 and 1 and I don't want to pass it on. Can human visitors transmit it to their dogs please?

Yes they can! Its an airborne virus, VERY contagious, don't take the dog into the vets, ask them to treat it in the car, safer all round. I hope they all get well soon.
Dawn.

Thanks Dawn.
I'm in a flap as I have a friend coming over tomorrow who is just about to mate her two goldies.She won't be bringing them but I must tell her not to come.

Should they all stay in the house and for how long? Should I keep the sick one with me tonight?

I feel so guilty. I know they could have got it any where but they didn't. I had to kennel them 10 days ago. I've never done it before but I had no choice for 3 nights as my usual dog sitters couldn't manage. The vet warned me that the immunisation would only cover them for the bacterial strains but I can't believe our luck. I feel awful especially for my very wee girl who sounds awful. The 2 Bichons are only 18 weeks and so tiny. The lab is a big healthy girl and is fighting it off well. Why did it have to be us?
Gill

< Can human visitors transmit it to their dogs please? >

Yes, it is an aerosol virus and in theory could be passed on by contact.

This is not the most likely form of transmission but is a possibility.

snomaes

Thanks. I have a child visiting tomorrow who has 2 goldies in her family and they are just about to be mated. This is the chance for a dear friend to replace a beautiful goldie who died suddenly with one of her grandsons or daughters and I don't want to put any problems in her way as she was so upset to loose her gorgeous girl.
Gill

Dont feel guilty. They might have picked it up anywhere - its not confined to kennels. They can catch it at training classes, in the park - anywhere. There always seems to be a lot about this time of the year - my youngest girl got it about this time last year - but this year it seems more rife than ever - must be the weather we've had.

"Aerosol" virus? didn't know it came in cans :D :D
Dawn.

Definitely not one for the supermarkets.:D :D

I understood anyway and at least I was able to avert a disaster. My wee girl seems brighter this morning. I phoned the vets. Normally they're great. They obviously had a heavy Saturday night! Despite explaining that I have the 3 year old lab and the two puppy bichons the vet nurse proceeded to give me advice about my "cats". When I told her it was dogs she said that the same advice applied..keep it till it gets better unless they're off their food. Not much help. If I become concerned I'll phone tomorrow and ask to speak to the vet. ere's hoping!

Thanks again for your help everyone. I'll let you know how they go.
Gill