Cough, Honk, Hack: Managing Canine Cough

Objective: Keeping your business healthy during a canine cough outbreak is possible. This Lunch & Learn is designed to review proactive management techniques to reduce the spread of illness and discuss procedures and protocols to manage an outbreak effectively.

Content: Canine Cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It can be spread via airborne droplets, nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog or sharing toys, water and food bowls. Dogs commonly contract the illness at places dogs congregate, such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. The good news is that it is highly treatable in most dogs. However, it can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age and immunocompromised dogs. It is important that each member of your team know how to recognize the signs of canine cough as well as the proper procedures to follow during an outbreak.

Owner/Operator Tip: If you do not have formal procedures on preventing and managing canine cough in your center, this is a great opportunity to have your team assist in putting this information together for your Operations Manual.

Prior to Lunch & Learn Session:

• • Review the information in your operations manual on canine cough. If you do not have thorough procedures, review the supporting materials below.
  • Determine how you will play video sound samples during the Lunch & Learn (located in supporting materials below)
  • Pick a team member or two to present the information to the entire staff. They should be prepared to present on:

  What is Canine Cough?

• Symptoms
• Treatment
• How to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak in your center

The manager/owner should prepare thoughts on handling an outbreak including:
Steps to follow if a dog in the center is suspected of having canine cough. Don’t forget to stress the importance of identifying and reporting this immediately. o Changes in daily cleaning routine during an outbreak
Client Communication during an outbreak

Click Here to download the PDF handout to review with your staff.