Expert: Jeff Lutton - 7/29/2008

Question
Hey there
I'm due to go on vacation in September so i've arranged for my Bichon Frise to be looked after in kennels. Unfortunately the kennel owners did not tell me anything about Kennel Cough, so i was wondering if you knew how soon i should get my dog vaccinated.

Also, would you recommend i take his bed and some of his toys to the kennel when i drop him off? I even considered giving him one of my blankets or pillows so he can smell me, but i dunno if that's just me being silly lol.

Anyway, the kennel cough vaccination was the main question, so i look forward to hearing from you if you have any ideas.

~ Kat

Answer
Kennel cough vaccination takes at least 5 days (plus or minus a day depending on who you talk to) to become effective.  If you are planning on boarding in Sept I would get it soon.  Remember though that its not 100% effective so be prepared that even in the cleanest kennels your dog can pick up a bug.  Its like taking a kid to school for the first time.  If anything is going around he'll probably pick it up.  

I would take his bed, make sure its clearly labeled, and a used t-shirt to get the smell of home.  You are not being silly, I recommend it to all of my customers.