This information is provided so that you, the pet owner, have an understanding of the risks associated with canine cough. You may download a PDF version of this form here.

Canine Cough is a common and highly contagious respiratory disease. Unfortunately, it is impossible to entirely safeguard against Canine Cough. Even after being vaccinated, dogs may still acquire canine cough (although usually a less severe form than they would have otherwise). The virus can incubate for up to two weeks, meaning that dogs who appear perfectly healthy during their stay may be carrying one of the viruses that cause a problem. The vaccination cannot protect your dog from all of the illnesses that contribute to Canine Cough, but we require all dogs to be vaccinated against the most common strains.

Runny nose, watery eyes, and a classic “hacking cough” are the hallmarks of canine cough. The cough can sometimes cause the dog to wretch up foamy phlegm. It has also been described as “something stuck in my dog’s throat” or “like a cat trying to hack up a hairball.” It is comparable to a chest cold in a person. A dog with canine cough will usually clear the infection on its own in one to three weeks similar to symptoms of a human cold. Spring and summer are the peak seasons for canine cough infections.

Canine cough is highly contagious. It can travel through the air or by direct contact. This is why we, at City Dogs, are highly vigilant against this disease. We require all dogs be vaccinated against it and we use kennel disinfectants that kill the virus on surfaces.

Important Points

• Canine cough has an incubation period of between two and ten days. This means that even a healthy looking dog today could come down with canine cough in a week.
• Dogs can get canine cough even if they have been vaccinated against it.
• Canine cough can be contracted from dog parks, passing another dog on the street, or, anywhere dogs are in close proximity to one another.
• Canine cough is usually self-limiting but can sometimes be severe enough to warrant medications.

If your pet develops canine cough, notify your veterinarian if:

• Your dog’s cough worsens or doesn’t improve over one to two weeks.
• Your dog becomes depressed or stops eating.
• Your dog develops nasal discharge, especially if it is colored.

I am aware that my dog may come into contact with a strain of Tracheobronchitis (Canine Cough) virus while in close proximity with other dogs, while visiting City Dogs. I am also aware that, even though my dog has been vaccinated against the virus, that is no guarantee they will not contract a strain of the disease.

By filling in the fields and digitally accepting this form below, I release City Dogs from any liability for any veterinarian medical care arising from suspected Canine Cough infections.

Please identify all your dogs below who will be using City Dogs’ services.