“Kennel Cough”: Common Misconceptions & The Real Risks vs. Rewards of Dog Boarding
As a pet parent, one of the most common concerns about dog boarding is “Kennel Cough”. At Unleashed Dog Hotel in Murray, Utah, we frequently hear questions like: “Is boarding safe?” or “Will my dog get sick around other dogs?” Let’s clear up the confusion with expert-backed facts and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
What Is “Kennel Cough”?
“Kennel Cough,” is a term used for a myriad of respiratory infections, also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). These can be highly contagious but usually represent a mild respiratory illness. They spread similarly to the common cold in humans — through airborne droplets, shared surfaces, or close contact with infected dogs (often asymptomatic).
Symptoms of kennel cough include:
Persistent dry or honking cough
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Mild lethargy
Decreased appetite (often)
Most dogs recover fully within 1–2 weeks with rest, hydration, and in some cases, antibiotics.
Myth #1: Boarding Facilities Cause Kennel Cough
Reality: “Kennel Cough” doesn’t come from boarding facilities — it comes from dog-to-dog interaction. Whether at a dog park, vet clinic, daycare for dogs, or grooming salon, any place where dogs mingle poses a risk to infection.
At Unleashed Dog Hotel, we require:
Up-to-date Bordetella vaccination
Routine health checks
Sanitized play and sleep areas
No facility can guarantee 100% prevention (just like a school can’t eliminate colds), but we mitigate risk with rigorous protocols and trained staff.
Some of our protocols include cleaning kennels and play yards daily as well as sanitizing and rotating food and water bowls. Unleashed has also taken measures to bring Mother Nature’s natural cleaning process into our facilities with a state of the art Commercial Air Purification System. As Mother Nature’s chosen sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide is incredibly effective at reducing viruses, bacteria, mold spores, odors, volatile organic compounds and other microbes in the air and on surfaces in your home.
Myth #2: Vaccines Prevent “Kennel Cough” Completely
Reality: The Bordetella vaccine reduces the severity and spread of some forms, but doesn’t eliminate all risk. It’s much like the flu vaccine for humans — it helps, but breakthrough cases can happen.
Still, we strongly recommend Bordetella and in fact, require it for all our overnight pet boarding and doggy daycare guests.
Understanding the Risk vs. Reward of Dog Boarding
Benefits of Boarding at a Trusted Dog Hotel:
Structured routines for exercise, feeding, and rest
Socialization with dogs and humans
Mental and physical enrichment
Safety protocols and trained handlers
Potential Risks:
Exposure to mild illnesses like “Kennel Cough” (especially during peak travel seasons)
Temporary stress or anxiety in highly nervous dogs
But with the right facility — one that maintains cleanliness, vaccination policies, and experienced staff — these risks are significantly reduced.
Tips for Dog Boarding Near Me
Keep vaccinations current (Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies).
Visit the facility in advance — look for cleanliness, ventilation, and playgroup safety.
Choose a hotel with small group play or private suites (like Unleashed!).
Share any health concerns with staff ahead of your visit.
Avoid boarding immediately after vet visits or dog park days. Give your dog’s immune system a rest.
Why Pet Parents in Utah Choose Unleashed Dog Hotel
At Unleashed Dog Hotel, we offer:
Climate-controlled boarding suites
Supervised group play
Enrichment activities and cuddle time
A bone-shaped dog pool for extra fun
On-site grooming for health and hygiene
We treat your dog like family — and that means transparent communication, preventive care, and total peace of mind for you.
🐾 Ready to Book? Have Questions?
Contact us to speak to our team. We’re happy to walk you through our safety practices and help you feel confident in your boarding decision.
📍 Serving dogs and dog lovers in Murray, Utah and surrounding areas.