■ Back-to-School Season & Canine Cough:
What Pet Parents Should Know ■

As the kids head back to school, the backpacks come out, the schedules get busy again—and just like in a classroom full of children, it’s also “cold season” for our dogs. In the pet world, this usually shows up as canine cough.


We want to take a moment to reassure you: canine cough is not something to panic about. It’s the dog world’s version of the common cold in a classroom.

 

 

Why It Spreads More in The Fall


Here in the Pacific Northwest, our moist, damp weather makes it harder for airborne viruses to dry out and die. That means germs can linger longer on surfaces, toys, water bowls, shared potty areas, and even sidewalks. It’s a bit like cold and flu season for people—environmental conditions simply make it easier for viruses to pass from one to another.

Where Dogs Commonly Pick It Up


• Veterinarian’s offices, especially when getting boosters right before boarding.
• Dog parks where water bowls and toys are shared.
• Bars, restaurants, and shops that allow dogs.
• Communal potty areas or sidewalks where dozens of dogs pass by daily.


Tip: Avoid dog parks and crowded pet spaces for two weeks before boarding. And always
wash toys, bowls, and paws when you return from public areas.

What It Looks Like


Canine cough usually sounds like a honking, hacking cough (like something stuck in their
throat). Most dogs keep their energy up and continue eating and drinking normally. It can last a week or two and then resolve on its own.

When to Call You Vet


Most of the time, canine cough doesn’t need medical treatment—it just passes like a cold
would. But here are the red flags:
■ No water for 24 hours
■ No food for 2 days
■ Severe lethargy or difficulty breathing


Otherwise, rest, hydration, and a little extra TLC are usually all that’s needed.

Why Boarding Facilities Still Require Vaccines


You may wonder: “If my dog can still get it, why vaccinate?” Vaccination reduces the
severity of symptoms, shortens the length of illness, and most importantly—helps prevent
outbreaks in group settings. It’s the same reason schools ask for flu shots: it doesn’t eliminate all colds, but it helps keep things mild and manageable.

The Bottom Line


Canine cough is simply part of the “back-to-school season” in the dog world. If your pup does pick up a cough, it’s not a reflection of you, your boarding facility, or even the vaccine—it’s just how dog germs work.

The Good News?

It almost always passes on its own, and with a little care, your pup will
be back to bouncing around in no time. You’re doing all the right things by vaccinating,
staying aware, and giving your dog a safe, loving environment.