I have just booked my girl into our local kennels for a fortnight.  We have inspected these kennels before, and they are small, clean and really friendly.  Tessie normally goes to a different kennels, but they were taken over by another family last year, and although they still seem professional, clean, etc.  they are a much bigger outfit and I'm not sure she's getting the attention she deserves and needs.

Anyway my question is the smaller kennels have stipulated that she must have the kennel cough vaccine, otherwise they cannot take her.
I've heard good and bad things about the vaccine.....  Any advice/opinions welcomed please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks
Tessies Tracey

The main problem with most KC vaccines is that they are intra-nasal & a lot of dogs find this a little unpleasant.
the other thing is that even when immunised they quite often will get cough anyway because there are so many different strains of it.
If the kennels have a policy where the KC vaccine must be up to date then you'll have to get your dog done if you want her to go there.
Good news about KC vaccine is that the Nobivac KC now lasts 12 months as opposed to 6 months.

HTH
Smudgley.

hmmm, therein lies the problem, I'd like her to go there, but am certainly worried about the possible side-effects.  My little staffie's going to love having something shoved up her nose!!! NOT!!!!!
thanks Smudgley

I'd go for it - she won't like it (my two didn't at all!), but it's always best to be safe.  From what I've seen (worked in a less-than-perfect kennels for 11 months), dogs with vaccines can still get it - but it's slightly less unpleasant.

If your girl's going in the hotter months, then I'd definitely recommend it - The second summer I was at the kennels, we got hit with kennel cough, and it is very contagious - and a bugger to get rid of.  The more dogs are vaccinated the better really, to give the kennels a chance at keeping at at bay.

trouble is, if you have found a kennel that you are happy with and they insist on the vaccine,you have no choice but to have your dogs done. the kennels i use insist on it. yes my dogs hate having it done, but like a previous post said, it will now last 12 months instead of every 6. it will not stop them catching it. one  of mine has has come home from the kennels twice with a mild case of KC, but the other one  never caught it ,
jackie

The Intervet kennel cought vaccine only goes up one nostril, so is much less stressfull, many Vets will let you do it yourself (in their presence) if it helps.
Dawn.

My lad has to have the vaccine, for kennels etc, he did contract KC and he was vaccinated for it BUT, he was nowhere as bad and was over it in a week, I have seen dogs that have not been vaxed for it, and they can be ill for a lot longer.
Its over in a minute, so I would say go for it....

Thanks for all your replies.  I do like the kennels we have chosen, so really everyone is right, I don't have much choice.
I can just imagine the stink she is going to kick up!
I certainly don't want her to be ill and possibly catch KC, so thanks again for the advice

TT

Hi TT

You could always practise at home with a syringe (just ask the vets for one) - just holding the dog still and getting it used to having it near the nose, then progressing to touching, then touching just inside the nostril, always rewarding the dog of course. We ask all clients whose dogs are "head shy" to try this before bringing them in and to repeat it as part of their training. It makes things much less stressful for the dog and at our practice we are not happy to force the dog into accepting the vaccine. It's never pleasant to have the vaccine but practising with an empty syringe can make it bearable :D

Angela 

I certainly think a few practice runs wouldn't hurt.  She's very good at the vets, just very very very hyper!!!
I can clean her teeth and that sort of thing, so she isn't really head shy, but I can imagine she'll try and have a bit of a chew at it!
I'm going to give them call today and get a syringe!

I have 26 dogs, 4 years ago Kennel cough swept down my road like wild fire.  You try give cough medicine and antibiotics to that amount.  They now all have the vaccine every year and it is so quick and easy to do.  My vet will normally put a towel over the dogs eyes and bang its up their nose before they have time to think whats happened and touch wood, I have not had it since.  I now keep a supply for any dogs that we take in.

Best thing the vet can do is get it out of the fridge before you are due - my mum's dogs have to be done quite regularly (lucky lady with all her hols!) and her dogs react so much better if the vaccine is not fridge-cold.  HTH

Great idea Gabrieldobe!  never thought of that, could help a LOT of dogs.
Dawn.