What Can I Do After My Dog Gets Sick From Boarding?

A joyful reunion between you and your dog may be short-lived if your pal becomes ill after his stay at the kennel. Though occurrences are rare, dogs can become sick after staying at even the most well-kept boarding facility. Consulting a trusted veterinary professional will give concerned dog owners peace of mind while their best friend recuperates from his illness.

Veterinary professionals at PetMD advise dog owners not to feed or give water to their dog until four hours after he's home from boarding. The excitement of seeing his best friend may cause him to gulp his food and water, which in turn can cause vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog appears to be exceptionally thirsty, provide ice for him to lick until the four-hour wait period has expired.

If your dog starts to show symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may take chemical blood analyses and blood count samples for laboratory testing. A urinalysis also may be required, according to Pet MD. Any time your dog is sick, he will need to be isolated from other dogs to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

Canine Influenza, known as CIV, causes general lethargy, runny nose, decreased appetite and a cough. Although it is usually mild, some dogs may develop a serious infection and require hospitalization. Your pal may have a dry or productive cough and green or yellow discharge from his nostrils. Your veterinarian can take a sample of nasal excretions to determine the cause of the symptoms. According to the website Dog Influenza, an antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection. Most treatment procedures simply allow the infection to run its course. Keep your buddy hydrated and ensure that he eats well to boost his immune system.

Kennel cough can be caused by a variety of microorganisms and is highly contagious, but rarely fatal. While a preliminary Bordatella vaccine may prevent your dog from contracting certain strains, it does not cover all of the viruses that cause the disease, according to The Academy of Canine Behavior. Characterized by dry hacking or retching, kennel cough usually is not serious but can lead to pneumonia in severe cases. Viral isolation and a bacterial culture can determine which microorganisms are making your pal sick. In mild cases, the disease can run its course with no further complications. Antibiotics may be used if your dog's appetite is abnormal.