lulilu, the kennel I use is good--They would never take a symptomatic dog and they insist on proof of all vaccinations, including Bordatella. But as OB said, kennel cough is the canine equivalent of the common cold or flu--there are lots of strains of the virus so even the vaccine (which, I think, covers about six strains) is no guarantee that another version won't strike. It is respiratory, so highly contagious no matter how careful the kennel is about hygiene. And I suspect a dog could be infectious before symptoms appear. All of which is my long-winded way of saying that it's just not possible to guard against this disease completely. But it is generally fairly mild and self-limiting. Some vets wouldn't even have prescribed antibiotics at this point (which, since the disease is viral, will do nothing for the primary illness). There is a very slight chance that it can morph into pneumonia (I think largely from the dog inhaling aspirated mucous, but I could be wrong about that). Fortunately, complications are not common.
I informed the kennel and they were apologetic, glad I called, and want to be kept in the loop. They confirmed that they are on the highest level of anti-kennel-cough protocols and will remain vigilant--I believe they do their best. Interestingly, the person from the kennel said that sometimes she has seen vets use this diagnosis as a cash cow, by suggesting all sorts of unnecessary additional "rule-out" testing and "prophylactic" meds. . . . As it happens, the vet at the ER did try to sell me on a $700 chest x-ray "just in case" there is an obstruction. Er, I love my dogs HUGELY, but I felt that that test was premature at best, and not medically indicated at worst. So the kennel may have had a point. I'll check in with our regular vet on Monday.
Try not to worry too much about your little ones! Henry (and Olive) stayed at this kennel a dozen times with no ill effects. Just be sure any facility you have is sensible about their practices on vaccines and hygiene, as of course you already are.
Good vibes for HenHen and Mabs are appreciated. Heck, I'll take some too, if there are any spares.