Denver -- September 5, 2008

Here's one of the things about being a puppy that's no fun: trips to the vet for shots. OUCH.

I recently had my first visit with Dr. Vicksman at Evans East Animal Hospital for my 3 month innoculations. Dr. Vicksman was kind and gentle, but still - ouch! As if that wasn't bad enough, Dr. Vicksman told me I'd have to come back in a few weeks for MORE shots! I whimpered at the thought.

Marianne rolled her eyes and told me to get over myself. Huh. Parker warned me that Marianne has very little tolerance for whining. I guess this is what he meant. "Look, Ross," she said, "This is important. Puppies are vulnerable to illness and we certainly don't want you to get sick. CCI has very strict rules about vet care, which includes your puppy shots."

I still felt grumpy. "Well, some of them seem silly, like the one for kennel cough. I'm not living in a kennel and I don't have a cough!"

Marianne sighed.

"Let me try," Dr. Vicksman laughed. "You see Ross, Kennel Cough is a generic term for a wide variety of infectious upper respiratory tract diseases. Dogs that are exposed to infected dogs in shelters, dog parks, doggie day care facilties and kennels are at risk. We suspect Kennel Cough when an otherwise healthy dog has a sudden onset of coughing, and the cough sounds like a seal barking or a goose honking."

"OK, but I'm not coughing, barking or honking, and I don't go to those places," I argued. "Why do I need to be vaccinated?"

It was Dr. Vicksman's turn to sigh. "It's true that the Bordatella (Kennel Cough) vaccine is not a core vaccine, meaning one all dogs must have," he said. "But it is a lifestyle vaccine. Because your lifestyle means you are out and about more than most dogs, CCI wants to make sure you have the maximum protection against diseases."

"OK, I get it," I said. "But what happens if I get Kennel Cough anyhow? Will I die?"

"No, you won't die! Such drama!" snorted Marianne.

Dr. Vicksman massaged my left ear. "It's true that we can vaccinate against some forms of Kennel Cough, but like colds in humans there are many viruses out there that we can't protect against. But you won't die! Most forms of Kennel Cough are self-limiting, which means they will go away on their own if left untreated." He massaged my right ear and I sighed happily.

"What if it doesn't go away?" asked Marianne. "What then?"

"The treatment for more severe cases of Kennel Cough includes cough suppressants and possibly antibiotics depending on the cause. Most of the time Kennel Cough lasts about a week, with the worst of it lasting about 3 to 4 days. Dogs can have a residual cough for up to 1 month after getting the disease. The residual cough is not like the original cough because it usually only happens when the dog gets excited or breathes hard."

Marianne picked up my leash. "OK, Ross, do you understand now?"

"Yup!" I said. "But what if other dogs or their owners have questions? What can they do?"

"They can watch me September 13 on 7News at 7 a.m.!" said Dr. Vicksman. "I think I will talk about Kennel Cough this time, thanks to you."

I beamed. See, I am a helper dog!

Chow for now!

Ross

Questions or comments? Send Ross an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.