Canine Country Club

Several of our members have recently reported to us that their dogs have or have had kennel cough.  This is the first time in our 7 year history that we’ve received reports of this kind.  The area vets report that KC is very prevalent in Porter county this fall.  Several of our members that have contracted the virus had been vaccinated for Bordatella.  This virus is a resistant strain that has not originated here at CCC, but obviously could and has spread here.  It is spread by direct contact, and, apparently, the cool damp conditions that we have had in the past month are just what this virus likes.  I have spoken to Vale Park Animal Hospital and asked their recommendations.  We have not required the Bordatella vaccine in the past, but we are currently suggesting that you have your dogs vaccinated if they are not already.  This may not prevent them from contracting the KC, but should lessen the severity of it if they do.  Also, we are recommending that you bring your own water bowls for your dogs, and avoid the common bowls.  They are disinfected weekly, but that may not be enough.  We will be throwing away all the tennis balls in the park tonight and putting out the new Halloween balls in a container.  We suggest that, for the time being, you bring your own tennis balls or use a new one from here and keep it with you for a few weeks.  I don’t think there is much we can do for those dogs that mouth each other and wrestle with other dogs.   I guess this is one reason to look forward to freezing temperatures!  Also, if your dog has had kennel cough and you’ve not told us about it, we would appreciate knowing.  (We currently have a list of 10 dogs from 7 families)  Thanks for helping us try to keep our CCC members healthy.