August 12, 2011

Canine cough reported
in the Yakima Valley

A high incidence of canine cough is being reported throughout the Yakima Valley. We have not had any cases at K9 Country Club, and we want to keep it that way. Please help us by taking the following precautions:

• Do not take your dog to public play areas such as the dog park near the Humane Society, the Greeway, Gilbert Park, Petco and PetSmart or other dog-friendly stores, or any other areas populated by dogs


• Tell us, before you bring your dog to K9, if your dog has recently been to a grooming facility


• Tell us, before you bring your dog to K9, if your dog has recently been to another doggie daycare or boarding facility


• Tell us, before you bring your dog to K9, if your dog develops any kind of cough

Many of the dogs who have contracted teh illness have been vaccinated against Bordetella. There are, however, other agents that can cause a cough as well. We know of one dog that was tested and had a positive culture for parainfluenza, which is one of the viruses that can cause coughing. Note: This is not the same as canine influenza.

If your dog is due (or overdue) for any vaccination, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The yearly distemper/parvo vaccination includes parainfluenza. One of the two brands of intra-nasal Bordetella vaccination available in Yakima also includes parainfluenza. Please ask your veterinarian if your dog is protected.

To help prevent the introduction of this disease in our facility, we will not be accepting any new dogs at K9 Country Club for the next two weeks.

We appreciate your cooperation and will let you know when these precautions are no longer necessary.

Thank you,
Laurie