Vets, Please Stop With the Kennel Cough “Vaccines”, They Don’t Work and They’re not Necessary…

There are 5 things that vets advise that we should absolutely question. They are

1. Dry, cereal based food for a carnivore
2. Annual boosters for viruses in dogs already vaccinated for them
3. The dangerous Nobivak4 leptospirosis jab as a matter of course
4. Chemical flea and worm control in dogs with no fleas or worms
5. Kennel cough (KC) jabs

I used to be a trainer in Guide Dogs. We always dreaded KC running through kennels. We kept the dogs religously dosed up (no dogs see the vets more) and practiced all the usual best hygiene practices (the number one preventer of kennel cough in dogs). Despite this, every few years cough would sweep through the kennels. Multiples dogs affected. Asides the discomfort for them and the days of training they will miss an expensive clean up ensures. You ring the vets. They’d come down to our kennels and they’d hurry down with their steroids AND antibiotics (as these two MUST be given together in dogs, not in humans mind!) and a few days later the dogs would perk up. Not normally one to question a vets opinion, one day I stopped the vet and asked simply “who’s fault is it that this keeps happening?”. He shrugged his shoulders, saying “nothing’s guaranteed”. I countered with perhaps your payment shouldn’t be guaranteed. His smile was genuine. Mine was not. We were a charity. Every penny counts. 

Even WSAVA State Kennel Cough Vaccine for Dogs Doesn’t Work…

Below is a quote by WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association), whom all the vets take their advice from:

Kennel cough is a localised infection, meaning it is local to the respiratory tract. It is an infection that does not lend itself to to prevention by vaccination

The problem with kennel cough in dogs is that there are at least forty agents involved in a Bordetella infection, the offending baddie, but only a couple of these agents are contained in the vaccine itself. Much like trying to prevent a common cold in humans (we know we can’t), kennel cough is likely different between homes, between towns, between cities. There is no cure.

I used to have magic stones for sale in my Dogs First shop (honestly). I stated they may help prevent cough, they’re just not guaranteed.

The kennel cough “vaccine” doesn’t guarantee protection in the slightest. That’s why the vet industry has it down as an “optional” extra. If your vet is enforcing a kennel cough “vaccination” then they’re going against the advice coming down from the very top.

Kennel Cough in Dogs, What to do…

OK, he’s got a cold. No biggie, we all get them. If your dog gets a cough, don’t fret. Rest him up. Don’t attach a lead to his collar for a few weeks (all the more reason to invest in a harness!), rest him up, give him some natural immune boosters such as Echinacea. Studies show Echinacea is highly effective at treating upper respiratory infections in dogs. Don’t buy stuff for dogs, it’s more expensive, here is the perfectly good Echinacea on Amazon. While you’re there, definitely pick up some Slippery Elm which will help restore the mucous lining of his throat.

Raw garlic too is excellent for this infection. And no, you don’t need to worry about raw garlic in dogs. It’s perfectly safe used in small amounts. Here’s how to do it

A little drop of Manuka Honey (or even some local honey which studies show performs as well) a few times a day will pay dividends too. It’s antibacterial and can help fight infections.

You can also give them baby Benelyn to ease the congestion (dose according to body size) but please check it doesn’t contain artificial sweetener like xylitol which is very bad for dogs.

Most kennel cough episodes clear up fine in 2-3 weeks. However, if you feel he’s particularly under the weather then, of course, take him to the vet, as you would a child with a cold that is only getting worse.

Simple.

What About Kennels?

You’re in difficulty here. I rang the two top companies, posing as a kennel owner, regarding the kennel cough vaccine in dogs. Both said something along the lines of “if you want to be insured for “diseases” then your clients must get the kennel cough vaccine”. I asked could I write this particular disease out of my policy and simply use good hygiene practices (the number one prevention for kennel cough in kennels) and they said no. It’s all or none.

This was disappointing, especially considering the average punter is able to write out the core vaccines (parvo, adeno, distemper) from their policy should they want to vaccinate (good) but not annually boost (needless) their dog for them. Again, this option is not available to kennel owners. More on marrying the ideal vaccine schedule in your dog with your insurance company below.

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Starting to question the advice you got on KC?! Don’t stop there…

Vaccinating Dogs: why every year? And best advice.

Stop defleaing dogs with no fleas…

Best worming advice: check for worms and treat naturally IF infected

Did anyone see the Big Tick Project scam?!!