Kennel cough in dogs is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, producing the distinctive loud, forceful cough that gives the condition its name. It spreads rapidly wherever dogs come into contact with one another in boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, which means virtually any social dog is at risk at some point. Despite how alarming that cough can sound, kennel cough is well-understood, usually manageable, and in many cases preventable with the right vaccination protocol. Whether your dog is currently coughing or you simply want to stay ahead of it, this guide covers everything you need to know, from how kennel cough spreads and what treatment looks like, to how to protect your pet before exposure ever happens.
What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough in dogs, also known by its medical term infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. It is called kennel cough because it spreads easily in places where dogs are housed closely together, such as boarding facilities, shelters, dog parks, groomers, and training classes.
Kennel cough is not caused by a single pathogen. It can be triggered by several viruses and bacteria, often acting in combination. The most common bacterial culprit is Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is why kennel cough is sometimes referred to simply as Bordetella. Common viral contributors include canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper virus.
What Are the Signs of Kennel Cough in Dogs?
The hallmark sign of kennel cough in dogs is a persistent, forceful cough that sounds like a honking or hacking sound. Many pet owners describe it as their dog trying to dislodge something from their throat. The cough may end with a gagging or retching motion. In some dogs, a small amount of mucus is expelled after coughing.
Other common signs of kennel cough in dogs include:
- Runny nose or nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
- Low-grade fever in some cases
- Reduced energy or mild lethargy
- Decreased appetite in more severe cases
It is important to note that many dogs with kennel cough remain alert, active, and interested in food despite the cough. However, dogs that appear lethargic, have a high fever, or are struggling to breathe need veterinary attention promptly, as these signs can indicate a more serious secondary infection such as pneumonia.
How Does Kennel Cough Spread?
Kennel cough in dogs spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact between dogs, and contaminated surfaces or objects. Dogs do not need to be in a kennel to catch kennel cough. A brief encounter at a dog park, a grooming appointment, or even a sniff-hello on a walk can be enough for the infection to pass from one dog to another.
The incubation period for kennel cough is typically two to fourteen days, which means your dog may not show symptoms for up to two weeks after exposure. During this incubation period, an infected dog can still spread the illness to other dogs.
How Long Is a Dog With Kennel Cough Contagious?
Dogs with kennel cough are generally contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms appear, although some dogs can continue shedding pathogens for longer even after symptoms have resolved. If your dog has been diagnosed with kennel cough, it is important to keep them away from other dogs until your veterinarian gives the all-clear.
How Is Kennel Cough in Dogs Diagnosed?
Our veterinarians at Chino Valley Animal Hospital typically diagnose kennel cough based on the clinical signs, the characteristic cough, and a history of potential exposure. In straightforward cases, no further testing may be needed. In more complex cases, or when pneumonia is suspected, chest X-rays and additional diagnostics may be recommended to assess the severity and rule out other conditions.
How Is Kennel Cough Treated in Dogs?
Treatment for kennel cough in dogs depends on the severity of the illness. Mild cases in otherwise healthy adult dogs may resolve on their own with rest and supportive care over one to three weeks. More significant cases, or infections in puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised dogs, typically require veterinary treatment.
Antibiotics for Kennel Cough
When a bacterial component is involved, particularly Bordetella, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to shorten the course of illness and reduce the risk of the infection progressing to pneumonia. Antibiotics will not affect a purely viral infection, which is why diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning matter.
Cough Suppressants
In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant to keep your dog more comfortable and reduce airway irritation, particularly at night. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, as suppressing the cough is not always appropriate if the cough is helping to clear secretions.
Can Kennel Cough Be Prevented?
Yes. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for reducing the risk and severity of kennel cough in dogs. The Bordetella vaccine is available as an injectable, intranasal, or oral formulation and is strongly recommended for any dog that spends time around other dogs. Many boarding facilities, groomers, and dog training classes require proof of Bordetella vaccination as a condition of entry.
The Bordetella vaccine does not provide complete protection against all strains or all pathogens that contribute to kennel cough, but it significantly reduces the likelihood and severity of infection. Additional core vaccines, including those for canine parainfluenza and adenovirus, also provide partial protection against some of the viral contributors to kennel cough.
How Often Does My Dog Need the Bordetella Vaccine?
Most veterinarians recommend the Bordetella vaccine every six to twelve months for dogs with regular exposure to other dogs. The frequency may vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle, risk factors, and the specific vaccine formulation used. Our team at Chino Valley Animal Hospital will help you determine the right vaccination schedule for your dog.
When To Call the Vet About Kennel Cough
While kennel cough often resolves with time, there are situations that require prompt veterinary attention. Contact Chino Valley Animal Hospital right away if your dog with kennel cough is:
- Coughing to the point of gagging or vomiting frequently
- Showing labored or rapid breathing
- Running a high fever or becoming very lethargic
- A puppy, senior dog, or a dog with a pre-existing health condition
- Not improving or getting worse after several days
- Refusing to eat or drink
Puppies and older dogs are at higher risk for kennel cough progressing to pneumonia, so these groups should always be evaluated by a veterinarian at the first sign of a respiratory illness.
Protect Your Dog Before Kennel Cough Has a Chance to Spread
Kennel cough in dogs is a preventable condition for many pet owners, and staying current on vaccinations is the single most effective step you can take. If your dog is due for their Bordetella vaccine or has been coughing after exposure to other dogs, our team at Chino Valley Animal Hospital is ready to help.
Call us at (928) 636-4382 or book an appointment online today to get your dog vaccinated, evaluated, or both. Proactive care is always the best care when it comes to your pet’s respiratory health.
