Sick dog: take part or not?

Protecting him also means protecting the other dogs there.

What the rules say

The FCI rules provide for the exclusion of sick dogs, whether they are temporarily ill or suffering from a contagious disease. This provision appears in section 4, page 6, and applies to international shows awarding the CACIB. [1]

For any other event, also check its rules. In every case, the placings must not come before health.

Beginner: making the right decision before you set off

1. Pull out if there are new symptoms

An unusual cough, repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, limping or listlessness are reasons to postpone taking part and ask the vet for advice.

The right reflex: don't wait until you reach the show gate to have a problem assessed that was already visible at home.

2. Don't take his enthusiasm for a green light

A dog can wag his tail or want to go out while being ill. Also look at his appetite, movement, breathing and usual behaviour.

The right reflex: describe the changes precisely to the vet rather than concluding: "He still wants to play, so he's fine."

3. Tell the organiser

Let them know you won't be there and ask about any withdrawal procedures. A refund depends on the terms of the event; it is not automatic.

The right reflex: sort out the paperwork after deciding what is right for your dog.

Intermediate: also think about the risk of contagion

1. Avoid gatherings if an infection is suspected

Kennel cough can spread between dogs, through the air and via contaminated objects. Staying a few metres away from other dogs is therefore not enough to make taking part safe. [2]

The right reflex: keep your dog away from gatherings and warn the clinic about his cough before a consultation.

2. Don't treat vaccination as a guarantee

Vaccination against kennel cough reduces the risk and severity of the disease, but it does not offer complete protection. A vaccinated dog that coughs deserves the same attention. [2]

The right reflex: follow the vet's advice, without downplaying the symptoms because the vaccinations are up to date.

3. Withdraw if symptoms appear at the show

Tell the staff, keep your dog away from contact and contact a vet. Don't carry on to the final to "make the trip worthwhile".

The right reflex: ask how to leave the venue while limiting encounters if a contagious disease is possible.

Advanced: planning a sensible return

1. Don't mask symptoms in order to show

Don't change a treatment and don't give extra medication to allow a run. Improvement under treatment does not prove that the dog is ready for the journey, the waiting and the judging.

The right reflex: continue the vet's prescription and postpone the entry.

2. Tell improvement apart from the end of contagiousness

The disappearance of symptoms does not always mean the risk of transmission has ended. For kennel cough, the PDSA recommends avoiding contact with other dogs while the cough lasts and for two to three weeks afterwards. This period does not apply to every disease: ask for advice suited to the diagnosis. [2]

The right reflex: check the date to resume with the vet rather than arbitrarily choosing "a few days' rest".

3. Have particular medical situations assessed

A long-standing condition, long-term treatment or a recent operation calls for an individual assessment. The vet's opinion helps to judge fitness to travel; it does not replace the show's admission conditions.

The right reflex: explain the whole programme to the vet, including the journey and the length of the wait.

When should you seek urgent help?

Persistent vomiting, blood in the vomit, a painful abdomen or collapse require rapid contact with a vet. [3]

A suddenly swollen belly, especially with unproductive attempts to vomit, is an emergency: call a vet immediately. [4]

A single vomit in an otherwise well dog does not have the same significance as repeated episodes. Keep an eye on him and ask for advice if it happens again or if his condition changes. [3]

Today, the right decision may be to stay at home. The next ring will always be more enjoyable with a recovered dog.