You’ve just gotten back from a wonderful, relaxing vacation and are on your way to pick up your dog from the kennel where he’s been for the past week. Of course, being the vigilant pet parent that you are, you’ve called the kennel a couple of times during the week just to ensure that all was well with your precious pup (but also because you REALLY missed him). The staff was quick to reassure you that your baby was eating, drinking, and playing well with the other boarders.

So now you’re at the kennel, and your dog comes flying out of the boarding area, just as ecstatic to see you as you are to see him. All seems well as you load him into the car to take him home. But then…

You hear a raspy, hacking noise coming from the back seat. You take a quick look back at your dog and see that he’s coughed up a bit of phlegm. Aha, you think, he just had to clear his throat. A few minutes later, he starts hacking again. Alarmed, you rush your dog to the vet, who informs you that your dog has kennel cough.

How can this be? Your dog was just vaccinated for bordetella last month. You thought that shot was for kennel cough. Actually, it was–and dogs usually are required by daycares and boarding facilities to be up-to-date on their bordetella vaccines. But the problem is that ‘kennel cough’ is a rather non-specific term, similar to the common cold in humans, referring to an upper respiratory infection. The fact is that there are several different rhinoviruses responsible for kennel cough. Bordetella is only one of those, so the vaccine does not protect your dog from those other rhinoviruses. The common cold that humans catch is caused by more than 200 rhinoviruses. Each time a person catches cold, they’re coming in contact with a different rhinovirus from the 200-plus. Then that person develops an immunity to that particular rhinovirus. (This is why, as a person gets older, they catch fewer colds because they’re immune to more and more rhinoviruses). And just like the common cold, each time your dog catches kennel cough, he has come in contact with different rhinovirus and subsequently develops an immunity to that particular one.

So why even bother with a bordetella vaccine at all? Because bordetella is highly contagious and can escalate into a much more serious disease, expecially in puppies or very young dogs whose immune systems aren’t fully developed, or in older dogs whose overall health and immunity may be compromised due to age. Facilities or situations where a large number of dogs come into close contact with each other, such as a boarding kennel, doggie daycare, or dog park, require proof of the bordetella vaccine before the dog is allowed to join.

Okay, your dog has kennel cough, but aside from the hacky, raspy cough, and a little less energy than usual, he doesn’t really seem sick. He’s still got a great appetite and is otherwise acting normally. This means that your dog likely has a mild case and will be fine in a week or so. If the cough gets much worse, he stops eating, or he develops a high fever (104 degrees or higher), then your dog may have developed a more serious infection and requires immediate medical attention. If he just continues to have the cough, then let the virus just run its course.

It’s also wise to notify the facility where your dog likely came into contact with the virus that he has kennel cough–if your dog has it, others will probably come down with it as well. It’s also a good idea to take steps to strengthen your dog’s overall immune system in case there are other nasty bugs lurking around. You may add some unrefined virgin coconut oil to his food. Coconut oil is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial and contains healthy fats. The dosage goes by the dog’s weight and is about 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds at each meal. Start out gradually–if you notice your dog has loose stools, back off a little on the dosage. Most dogs LOVE coconut oil, so this is an easy addition to their meals.

You might also try a probiotic capsule. Purchase a type that is meant for children; since a dog’s weight is similar to a child’s, the dosage is easier to calculate. Lastly, you might try adding some powdered herbs to his food. Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a wonderful immunity booster. Goldenseal will also boost immunity and is noted for aiding in respiratory ailments. **Please consult a holistic veterinarian for help with herbal dosages.

Last week, we touched on keeping your dog cool (and out of a hot car). Yours truly forgot to mention a couple of products that will help keep your pooch cool and comfy during these hot summer days. (Next week, we’ll look at why these are called the ‘dog days of summer’.) The first thing is to get your dog a plastic kiddie pool and fill it with cool water. It’s inexpensive and, even if your dog isn’t one of those who loves water, he may just enjoy standing in it, or fishing his toys out of it. The other thing is a cooling bandanna that can be purchased in a some pet-supply stores or online. It contains ‘cooling crystals’ that are activated when the bandanna is soaked in water and stay cool for several hours. It’s like placing ice cubes on the back of your neck–it cools the entire body. And of course it’s reuseable.

Fourth of July just ended (although you wouldn’t know it in my neighborhood), and many dogs were traumatized by all the noise and commotion. Was your dog one of them? A couple of ideas to try: A Thundershirt (available at most pet-supply stores and online), which works on the same principal as swaddling a young infant. The dog is calmed by the close-fitting wrap of the garment. The other thing to try is a Bach Flower Remedy called Rescue Remedy. This is a homeopathic liquid that is placed under the tongue and creates a calming effect. (There’s a version for humans as well–works great on those days where your stress level is about to send you through the roof.) Either one of these items will help your pup keep his fur on when there are fireworks or other loud disturbances. (I sometimes feel like I need a Thundershirt to keep me from attacking my neighbors when they’re shooting firecrackers at 3 a.m.–and it’s October.)

Enjoy your summer and keep cool!