Q: What is canine cough, and how do I help protect my dog from infection?

A: Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (also called "Canine or Kennel Cough") is a highly infectious upper respiratory disease that is easily passed from dog to dog, much like a cold is passed between children. Canine cough can be caused by a number of different bacteria such as Bordatella bronchiseptica, and viruses such as canine parainfluenza.

The disease-causing agents are airborne, spread by exhalation, sneezing or coughing. In the initial phase, a dog will show no signs at all, but will be contagious. This incubation period lasts 5 - 7 days before symptoms of infection are apparent.

Symptoms include a dry hacking cough and possibly nasal discharge or sneezing. The cough may last a few days or even several weeks. Since it is a viral infection, there is no treatment, although some veterinarians will prescribe an antibiotic for secondary infections or a cough suppressant for excessive coughing. As a self-limiting disease, it will go away in its own time, just like any other cold or flu.

Tracheobronchitis tends to be epidemic-that is to say it can infect an area rapidly-and is seasonal. When an outbreak occurs, generally many dogs in the neighborhood are infected. As the disease limits itself, another outbreak may not occur for months or years.

The disease is frequently referred to as "Kennel Cough;" however, a dog can be exposed at the park, walking on the street, at a grooming shop, or in a veterinary office-any place where other dogs congregate or pass through. Therefore, the more appropriate term is "Canine Cough."

Your dog's yearly distemper/parvo vaccine provides protection against some forms of coughing, and most kennels will also require a Bordetella vaccine. This is usually given intranasal rather than as an injection, and provides more protection against other viruses that cause coughing. However, there is no vaccine that protects against all forms of pathogens causing Tracheobronchitis, so the possibility still exists that even a vaccinated dog can come down with canine cough.

Q. How often are dogs walked when boarding at Posh Pets?

A. Dogs are walked at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If time permits, they are walked more often. Walks generally last between 20 and 30 minutes.

Q. Are dogs walked individually?

A. Usually, dogs are walked individually. Occasionally, they may be walked in pairs when compatible so that they can play together.

Q. How frequently should I have my pet bathed or groomed?

A. The more consistently you have your dog or cat bathed or groomed, the easier it is to keep them looking and smelling great. You can have your pets bathed as often as once every two weeks. To keep their fur looking healthy and free of mats, it is recommended that you have them fully groomed once every four to six weeks.

Q. How long does it take to groom my pet?

A. The time it takes to groom a dog or cat depends on several variables, such as the pet's size, condition of its coat, and the number of pets already waiting to be groomed when you drop them off. At Posh Pets, animals are groomed on a first-come, first-served basis. We accept pets for grooming from when we open in the morning until 1 PM. Pets must be left in our care for grooming and we call you when they are ready for pick-up.

Q. Do you have both men and women caring for my pet?

A. Yes, at Posh Pets we have both male and female groomers attending to your pets.

Q. My pet's fur is matted; can the mats be combed out or do they have to be shaved?

A. That depends. Sometimes mats can be combed out if they are not too tight or tangled. However, this can be a painful process for your pet. Think of a mat as having a knot in your own hair. If you pull on it with a comb, it will hurt. Also, mats prevent air from circulating close to your pet's skin which can cause skin irritations and soars to develop. Shaving the fur close to the skin is not painful and it helps any skin irritations or soars to heal more quickly because it increases the air circulation.

Q. If my pet's fur is shaved, won't it feel cold?

A. This would only be a concern in the cold winter months. The remedy is to purchase a pet coat or sweater to help your pet feel warm and cozy when going outside. Snow boots are also recommended to protect your pet's paws from ice, snow, cold, and salt. Pet clothing and snow boots are available at Posh Pets.