Kennel cough can sound alarming, but honestly, it’s one of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs. It causes a dry, hacking cough that often clears up on its own with rest and simple care.

While it usually isn’t serious for healthy dogs, it spreads quickly in places where lots of dogs gather. Think kennels, grooming salons, or day-care centres—those are hotspots.

You might notice your dog making a honking sound, almost like they’re trying to clear their throat. This is the classic sign of kennel cough and usually the first clue that something’s up.

Spotting it early helps you act fast and keep your dog comfortable. Plus, you’ll help protect other dogs from catching it too.

The good news? Kennel cough is manageable and preventable. Most dogs bounce back within a couple of weeks if you give them the right care.

Vaccination, good hygiene, and steering clear of crowded dog spots during outbreaks can help a lot. It’s not foolproof, but it sure stacks the odds in your dog’s favour.

Key Takeaways

• Kennel cough is a common and contagious respiratory illness in dogs
• It usually causes a persistent, harsh cough but often clears up with rest
• Vaccination and limiting exposure to crowded dog spaces help prevent it

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection in dogs that often shows up as a persistent, harsh cough. It tends to move fast in places where dogs hang out together—boarding kennels, grooming salons, or doggy day-care centres come to mind.

It’s not usually life-threatening, but it can leave your dog feeling pretty lousy. They’ll probably just want to rest and take it easy.

Understanding Infectious Bronchitis

Kennel cough is just the everyday name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It messes with your dog’s windpipe and voice box, causing that dry, hacking cough that sounds a bit like a honk.

Several viruses and bacteria can trigger this illness. You’ll often hear about Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2—sometimes, more than one is involved at once.

That’s what makes it tricky. Dogs of any age can get kennel cough, but puppies, older dogs, or those with weak immune systems tend to have a tougher time.

Most healthy adult dogs recover within a couple of weeks with some rest and basic care. But if your dog has a cough that won’t quit, seems wiped out, or stops eating, it’s time to call your vet.

Sometimes, your vet might suggest antibiotics or cough medicine if things aren’t improving. Don’t wait too long if you’re unsure.

How Kennel Cough Spreads

Kennel cough spreads easily when dogs are close together. Coughing sends tiny droplets into the air, and other dogs can breathe them in.

It’s not just the air—shared bowls, toys, or even your hands after petting an infected dog can pass it along. Busy places like boarding kennels and shelters make it easy for germs to hop from one dog to another.

That’s why a lot of facilities ask for proof of vaccination before your dog can stay. The vaccine mainly protects against Bordetella, which is a big culprit, but it doesn’t cover every possible germ.

You can lower the risk by skipping crowded dog areas during outbreaks and keeping your dog’s vaccinations current. Good nutrition and less stress help their immune system too.

Common Misconceptions

One myth is that kennel cough only happens in kennels. Not true—your dog can pick it up anywhere dogs mix, like parks, training classes, or grooming salons.

Another common misunderstanding: that kennel cough is always serious. For most healthy dogs, it’s mild and clears up with rest, but it can be rougher for young puppies, elderly dogs, or those already dealing with health issues.

Some folks worry they might catch kennel cough from their dog. No need—this infection doesn’t spread to humans.

If you notice coughing, keep your dog at home until they’re fully better. That way, you protect other dogs and give yours a better shot at healing without extra stress. For more details, check out Blue Cross or The Kennel Club.

Main Causes of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough develops when different germs and certain surroundings mess with your dog’s airways. Both bacteria and viruses can play a role, and some environments make it a lot easier to catch—or harder to get over.

Bacteria Behind Kennel Cough

The main bacterial troublemaker is Bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacterium irritates the lining of your dog’s windpipe, making it easier for other infections to jump in.

Bordetella spreads fast when dogs share close spaces. Boarding kennels, doggy daycare, or grooming salons are the usual suspects.

Shared bowls, toys, or bedding can carry the bacteria too. When your dog breathes in these germs, they stick to the airway and kick off the coughing fits.

Sometimes, if your vet finds a bacterial infection, antibiotics might help.

Key points about Bordetella bacteria:

• Highly contagious between dogs
• Weakens natural defences in the airway
• Increases risk of secondary viral infections

Viral Agents Involved

Several viruses can also cause kennel cough. The most common are canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type two.

Both of these damage the cells lining the respiratory tract, which just makes the coughing worse. Other viruses, like canine distemper and canine influenza, show up less often but can make things rougher, especially for puppies or older dogs.

Because multiple viruses might be involved at once, symptoms can really vary. Vaccines cover some of these, but not all.

Examples of viral agents:

• Canine parainfluenza virus – frequent cause of coughing
• Canine adenovirus type two – linked to airway inflammation
• Canine distemper – more serious, but less common
• Canine influenza – may cause fever and stronger symptoms

You can read more about the role of viruses in kennel cough.

Environmental Triggers

Even a healthy dog can get kennel cough if the environment isn’t great. Poor ventilation, crowded spaces, and damp or cold conditions all help germs spread.

Stress doesn’t help either. When your dog feels anxious, their immune system drops its guard, and infections sneak in more easily. This happens a lot when dogs stay in new places, like kennels.

Exposure to cigarette smoke or dust can also irritate the airways. These things inflame the throat and make it tougher for your dog to fight off germs.

Environmental factors to watch for:

• Shared air in kennels or daycare
• Exposure to smoke, dust, or strong cleaning products
• Stress from travel, boarding, or changes in routine

If you can cut down on these triggers, you’ll help protect your dog from kennel cough or at least make recovery smoother if they do get sick.

Recognising Symptoms and Signs

When kennel cough hits, the biggest change is usually in how your dog breathes and sounds when they cough. You might also see sneezing, a runny nose, or just plain tiredness—these clues can help you tell if it’s more than just a minor throat tickle.

Persistent and Distinctive Cough

The main sign is a persistent cough that’s dry, harsh, and often described as a “hacking” sound. It can seem like your dog has something stuck in their throat.

Some people say it sounds like a goose honk. Coughing fits can last for several minutes and might be triggered by excitement, exercise, or even a gentle tug on the collar.

During these fits, your dog might gag or bring up a bit of white foam or saliva. Unlike a cough from dust or a mild irritation, kennel cough sticks around. It doesn’t just vanish after a day or two.

If the cough keeps going beyond three days, that’s a pretty good sign it’s more than a minor throat tickle.

Other Respiratory Symptoms

Along with the cough, you might notice other respiratory symptoms. A runny nose is common at first—sometimes clear, but it can get thicker if a secondary infection joins the party.

Some dogs get watery eyes or mild conjunctivitis. Sneezing and reverse sneezing—where your dog suddenly snorts air in through their nose—can also pop up.

These signs might throw you at first, but if you see them with the cough, kennel cough is likely. Your dog might act more tired, skip meals, or have trouble sleeping because of the coughing.

If things get worse, you might spot a mild fever or laboured breathing. That’s your cue to call the vet.

Differences in Puppies and Elderly Dogs

Puppies and elderly dogs usually show stronger symptoms because their immune systems aren’t as strong. A young puppy might lose energy fast, stop eating, or get a fever just days after being exposed.

Their small airways make it harder to handle constant coughing. Older dogs can also have a tough time recovering.

The cough might turn into something more serious, like pneumonia, if you don’t treat it quickly. You could notice weight loss, more fatigue, or deeper chest congestion compared to healthy adult dogs.

Since both age groups are more vulnerable, it’s smart to act fast. If you see persistent coughing with changes in appetite, breathing, or energy, don’t wait—reach out to your vet for advice.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

When your dog starts coughing, it’s natural to worry about what’s causing it. Diagnosis usually comes down to watching for signs, doing a few simple tests, and figuring out how long your dog has seemed off before the cough showed up.

Clinical Assessment

Your vet will start with a physical exam. They’ll listen to your dog’s chest with a stethoscope, checking for wheezing, crackles, or odd heart sounds.

They might gently press your dog’s windpipe to see if it triggers that classic, harsh cough. If it does, that’s a strong clue.

It really helps if you can share any recent dog-to-dog contact. Been to a kennel, the groomer, or the park? That info matters.

Other things—like allergies, pneumonia, or heart disease—can also make dogs cough. So, your vet will try to rule those out before calling it kennel cough.

Role of Swabs and Tests

Most of the time, vets diagnose kennel cough without lab tests. But if your dog’s symptoms are severe, drag on, or just don’t fit the usual pattern, your vet might take swabs from the nose or throat.

These swabs can show if bacteria or viruses are involved, like Bordetella bronchiseptica. Sometimes blood tests or chest X-rays help if your vet is worried about a more serious infection.

These aren’t routine, but they’re useful when your dog isn’t bouncing back. According to the Royal Veterinary College, kennel cough often involves more than one germ, so swabs don’t always give a simple answer.

Still, they can help your vet decide on treatment, especially if antibiotics might be needed. Sometimes you just have to put the puzzle pieces together.

Incubation Period Insights

The incubation period for kennel cough usually falls between 2 to 14 days. So, your dog could have picked up the bug days before you notice anything wrong.

During this stretch, your dog might seem fine but can already pass the infection to others. That’s partly why outbreaks pop up in kennels or busy dog parks.

The PDSA suggests keeping your dog away from others while they’re coughing and for two or three weeks after. Knowing the incubation period helps you manage expectations about recovery and stop the spread.

Treatment and Recovery

Most dogs with kennel cough perk up within a few weeks. The right care at home really helps, though how quickly your dog recovers depends on their age, overall health, and whether bacteria or pneumonia complicate things.

Supportive Home Care

You can do plenty to help your dog feel better. Keep your home well-ventilated and avoid smoke or harsh cleaners.

A cool-mist humidifier in your dog’s sleeping area can soothe their airways. Switching from a collar to a harness takes pressure off the windpipe.

Short, gentle walks are usually fine, but skip the long hikes or rowdy play until the cough is gone. Excitement tends to make the coughing worse.

Hydration is important, so always have fresh water out. Some dogs drink more with a splash of low-salt chicken broth in their bowl.

A spoonful of honey can calm throat irritation, but never give honey to puppies under one year old. Most healthy dogs recover in 1–3 weeks with this kind of supportive care.

Some cases drag on up to six weeks, according to Blue Cross. Sometimes patience is the hardest part.

When Antibiotics Are Needed

Not all cases of kennel cough need antibiotics. Many infections are viral, so your dog’s immune system does most of the work.

If bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica are involved, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Common choices are doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, usually for a week or two.

Always finish the full course, even if your dog seems back to normal. Signs your dog might need antibiotics include fever, not wanting to eat, or thick nasal discharge.

If your dog gets really tired or starts breathing hard, call your vet right away. Those could be signs of pneumonia, which needs quick treatment.

Antibiotics aren’t a “just in case” fix. Your vet will only use them if there’s a clear reason or risk of complications.

Using Cough Suppressants

Cough suppressants can make your dog more comfortable if the cough is harsh or constant. Vets sometimes prescribe butorphanol or hydrocodone for short-term relief.

These meds work on the brain to ease the urge to cough. For milder cases, your vet might suggest an over-the-counter option like dextromethorphan.

This ingredient is in some human cough syrups, but you should only use products where dextromethorphan is the only active ingredient. Other ingredients, like paracetamol, are dangerous for dogs.

It’s not always best to stop the cough completely. Dogs need to clear gunk from their airways, so cough suppressants are for comfort—not to silence the cough altogether.

Always double-check the dose with your vet before giving any cough suppressant. Safety depends on your dog’s size, age, and health.

Prevention and Immunity

You can lower your dog’s risk of kennel cough with a mix of vaccination, smart choices about where they hang out, and keeping their immune system strong. It’s not foolproof, but each step helps, especially if your dog spends time around lots of other dogs.

Kennel Cough Vaccine

The kennel cough vaccine protects against the most common causes. It doesn’t cover every strain, but it does make illness less severe and less likely to spread.

Your vet might give the vaccine as a nasal spray, oral dose, or injection. Immunity usually kicks in within a few days.

The kennel cough vaccine lasts about 12 months, so yearly boosters are common. Some kennels and daycares require proof of vaccination before your dog can stay.

If your dog is often around others—shows, classes, boarding—the vaccine is a good idea. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with health issues may benefit most. Always chat with your vet about the best schedule for your dog.

Reducing Exposure Risks

Kennel cough spreads fast where lots of dogs gather. You can cut the risk by picking places that require vaccination and keep things clean.

Ask if facilities isolate sick dogs and how often they disinfect shared spaces. At home, don’t let your dog share bowls with unfamiliar dogs.

Try to keep your dog away from dogs that are coughing, sneezing, or have runny noses. If you plan to board your dog, book early so there’s time for the vaccine to work.

Being proactive helps protect your dog and others. It’s worth a little extra planning.

Checklist when choosing a kennel or day care:

• Vaccination policy in place
• Quarantine for sick dogs
• Clean and disinfected environment
• Good ventilation indoors

Building Strong Immunity

A strong immune system helps your dog fight off infections. Balanced nutrition and regular exercise matter, but so does keeping stress low.

Feed your dog quality protein, good fats, and all the right vitamins. Keep water fresh and always available.

Daily walks and playtime keep their lungs and body healthy. Rest is just as important—overworked or stressed dogs get sick more easily.

Regular vet visits help you catch problems early and keep vaccines up to date. Good hygiene, a solid diet, and routine care all add up to better protection against kennel cough.

Living with and Managing Kennel Cough

If your dog comes down with kennel cough, daily care, stopping the spread, and knowing what to expect during recovery all matter. With the right steps, you can make your dog more comfortable and keep other pets safe.

Caring for Infected Dogs

Your dog will probably need extra rest. Exercise often makes coughing worse, so stick to short, calm walks.

Give them a warm, quiet place to relax where they feel secure. Sometimes, a steamy bathroom helps loosen mucus—just let your dog sit with you while you run a hot shower, but don’t force it if they’re stressed.

Most dogs improve in one to three weeks. If your dog is very young, older, or has another health problem, recovery might take longer.

In those cases, your vet may suggest anti-inflammatories or, if there’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics. Watch for changes in appetite, energy, or breathing.

If your dog stops eating, seems very tired, or develops a fever, call your vet quickly. The PDSA has more details on treatment if you want to dig deeper.

Minimising Spread at Home

Kennel cough spreads through droplets in the air, shared bowls, and close contact. You’ll need to stay on top of hygiene and isolation to protect other dogs.

Keep your coughing dog away from other pets for at least two to three weeks, even after they seem better. Dogs can still spread the bug during recovery.

Clean food bowls, bedding, and toys every day. Use pet-safe disinfectants and wash your hands after handling your dog.

Skip dog parks, groomers, and training classes until your vet says it’s safe. If you have more than one dog, try to limit shared spaces—even if total separation isn’t possible, less contact helps.

The Kennel Club points out that places where dogs gather are the biggest risk. Sometimes, a little caution goes a long way.

Reinfection and Long-Term Outlook

Most dogs bounce back from kennel cough with no lasting effects. But reinfection can happen, since different viruses and bacteria are behind it.

Your dog might catch it again, especially if they’re hanging out with other dogs. It’s just one of those things you can’t always avoid.

The best way to prevent kennel cough is vaccination. The vaccine doesn’t promise total protection, but it lowers the risk and usually means milder symptoms if your dog does get sick.

The Royal Veterinary College suggests annual boosters, especially for dogs that go to kennels or daycare.

Keeping your dog healthy overall matters, too. A good diet, regular exercise, and routine vet visits all give their immune system a boost.

Puppies and older dogs, or any with weaker immune systems, might need a bit more attention. If your dog keeps getting kennel cough, ask your vet about prevention that’s tailored to your situation.

That could mean tweaking vaccination schedules or avoiding high-risk places for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kennel cough can be pretty stressful, especially when your dog starts that harsh, hacking cough. It’s helpful to know what signs to watch for, how to make them comfortable, and when to call the vet.

Vaccination, good hygiene, and just paying attention all make a difference in keeping dogs well.

What signs should you look out for that might indicate your dog is suffering from a respiratory infection?

You’ll usually hear a dry, hacking cough that sounds like your dog has something stuck in their throat. Sometimes they gag or spit up mucus after coughing.

Other possible signs: sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes. If things get worse, you might notice your dog seems tired, stops eating, or breathes harder than normal.

How can you best care for your furry friend at home when they’re under the weather with a cough?

Set them up somewhere warm and well-ventilated. If your dog wears a collar, swap it for a harness so there’s less pressure on their throat.

Let them rest and make sure there’s always fresh water around. Try to keep things calm and avoid smoke, dust, or strong smells that could bother their airways.

What steps can we take to prevent our dogs from catching this bothersome cough in the first place?

The kennel cough vaccine helps lower the risk. It doesn’t cover every possible strain, but if your dog does get sick, the symptoms are usually less severe. Here’s more on the kennel cough vaccination if you’re curious.

Also, keep the air fresh, clean shared bowls often, and try to keep your dog away from others that are coughing. All of this helps cut down on the spread.

Should you be worried if your dog’s cough isn’t improving, and how long should you wait before seeing the vet?

Usually, dogs start to feel better in two or three weeks. If the cough sticks around longer, or if your dog seems off, it’s time to check with your vet.

If you see trouble breathing, loss of appetite, or your dog’s just way more tired than usual, don’t wait—reach out to your vet right away.

Can other pets in your household catch a cough from your dog, and how can you minimise the risk?

Other dogs in your home can definitely catch kennel cough. It spreads through the air and through shared stuff like toys or bowls.

Cats usually don’t get it, but it’s smart to be careful anyway. Keep sick dogs apart, wash food bowls and toys often, and get some fresh air moving through your house. That should help keep everyone else healthy.

What are the treatment options available for managing your pup’s condition, and how effective are they?

Most dogs bounce back on their own, but sometimes vets prescribe antibiotics if bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica show up. Cough suppressants or anti-inflammatories can help ease things a bit.

Recovery takes a few weeks in many cases, though it can drag on longer for some pups. The PDSA suggests keeping your dog away from others until they’re back to normal, just to be safe and stop any spread.