Kennel cough prevention in dog daycare in Rochester, MN is something we take very seriously at Central Bark Rochester, MN. Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis aka canine cough) is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs, often compared to the “common cold” in people. While most cases are mild, no pet parent wants their dog to feel unwell. That’s why we combine strict vaccine requirements, top-level cleaning routines, and advanced air systems to keep our daycare and boarding programs among the cleanest and safest in the community.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis aka canine cough) is an upper respiratory infection caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica combined with canine parainfluenza virus or adenovirus .
Typical symptoms include:
- A persistent, honking cough
- Gagging or retching (like something stuck in the throat)
- Mild nasal discharge
- Reduced energy or appetite in more severe cases
Most healthy adult dogs recover within one to three weeks. Puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised dogs may take longer or require veterinary care .
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough spreads easily wherever dogs gather — daycare, dog parks, grooming salons, shelters, and boarding. It passes through:
- Airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes
- Direct contact during greetings and play
- Shared surfaces or toys
Because it is airborne, even the cleanest and most careful facilities may see occasional cases. Just like children catching colds in school, exposure can happen. What matters most is strong prevention and fast response.
How Central Bark Rochester Prevents Kennel Cough
At Central Bark Dog Daycare in Rochester, MN we have multiple layers of protection to prevent the spread of kennel cough and keep our community of dogs safe.
✅ Vaccination Requirements
- All daycare and boarding dogs must be current on Bordetella, Rabies, and Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) vaccines.
- We verify vaccination records before dogs enter our programs.
- We encourage families to follow veterinary recommendations for Bordetella boosters (every 6–12 months, depending on vaccine type).
✅ Cleaning and Sanitation Protocols
We exceed industry standards by combining daily cleaning with deep, scheduled sanitization:
- Daily cleaning of play areas, kennels, toys, and bowls with veterinary-grade disinfectant (Kennelsol).
- Weekly deep cleaning of turf, flooring, and high-contact surfaces.
- Monthly whole-facility Maintenance on our systems, machines, and equipment to ensure everything is cleaning properly and working correctly
✅ Air Quality and Ventilation
- Our facility uses full-building air exchange units to circulate and refresh indoor air.
- Filters are replaced monthly to maintain top air quality.
- This greatly reduces the risk of airborne illnesses, including kennel cough.
✅ Staff Training & Monitoring
- Our team is trained to recognize early symptoms of canine cough, such as persistent coughing.
- Any symptomatic dog is immediately separated, and owners are contacted.
- We encourage families to keep their dogs home if they show signs of illness to protect the whole community.
Why These Steps Matter
Kennel cough prevention in dog daycare in Rochester, MN requires more than just vaccines. By combining vaccination policies, deep-cleaning routines, air exchange systems, and staff vigilance, Central Bark dramatically reduces the risk of outbreaks.
Pet parents can feel confident knowing that our daycare, boarding, grooming, and puppy hour are designed with health and safety first—because a clean environment means a happy, healthy dog.
What Pet Parents Can Do
You play a big role in prevention, too:
- Stay current on vaccines. Talk with your veterinarian about Bordetella boosters and additional respiratory protection.
- Watch for symptoms. Keep your pup home and consult your vet if you notice coughing or gagging.
- Communicate with us. Let us know if your dog has been exposed so we can take extra precautions.
Together, we can keep Rochester’s dog community healthy.
Final Takeaway
Kennel cough or “canine cough” is a reality of social dog environments, and while no daycare can eliminate the risk, the right protocols greatly reduce it. At Central Bark Rochester, we lead the way in kennel cough prevention in dog daycare in Rochester, MN with vaccine requirements, daily cleaning, monthly air filter changes, and staff trained to spot early signs.
Still, it’s important to recognize that the risk of an outbreak is always present. Just as children can catch colds at school despite strong hygiene, dogs in group settings can occasionally contract canine cough even in the cleanest facilities. What matters most is how seriously a daycare takes prevention and response, and at Central Bark, we are committed to doing everything possible to minimize risk and keep our community of dogs safe and happy.
Because when it comes to your pup’s health and wellbeing, we never cut corners.
References
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Kennel Cough in Dogs. Retrieved from: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/kennel-cough
- American Kennel Club (AKC). Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Respiratory Disease in Dogs. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs/respiratory-disease-in-dogs.html
✍️ Written by Lenny Hoisington
Owner & Operator, Central Bark Rochester