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Kennel cough, medically called infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily wherever dogs gather, producing a distinctive, persistent cough that usually sounds worse than the illness actually is.
The condition gets its common name from how efficiently it spreads in boarding kennels and similar group settings, though it can just as easily spread at a dog park or doggy daycare. This guide covers what causes kennel cough, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, whether it can be prevented, and when to see a veterinarian.
This guide covers what kennel cough is, what causes it in dogs, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, whether it can be prevented, when to see a vet, and what else people ask.
What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough is the common name for a group of related pathogens, most notably Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, that together cause a highly contagious upper respiratory illness in dogs. Several other organisms, including parainfluenza virus and canine respiratory coronavirus, often contribute to the same illness complex, which is why veterinarians sometimes refer to it more broadly as canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Most cases are mild and self-limiting, but the illness can occasionally progress to pneumonia, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems.
What Causes Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough spreads primarily through airborne respiratory droplets produced when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, as well as through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated shared objects like water bowls and toys. Because the responsible pathogens spread so efficiently through the air and close contact, any setting with multiple dogs in proximity, including boarding kennels, shelters, dog parks, and daycare facilities, creates ideal conditions for an outbreak. Stress and crowding can also make dogs more susceptible to developing symptoms after exposure.
What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs?
A persistent, harsh, honking cough, often triggered or worsened by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the throat, is the hallmark symptom of kennel cough. Many dogs cough so forcefully that they seem to be gagging or trying to clear something stuck in their throat, which can alarm owners even though the dog otherwise often seems bright and maintains a normal appetite. In more significant cases, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, and reduced appetite can develop, and these additional symptoms warrant closer veterinary attention given the elevated risk of progression to pneumonia.
How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed in Dogs?
A veterinarian often diagnoses kennel cough based on the characteristic cough combined with a recent history of exposure to other dogs in a group setting, without needing extensive testing for straightforward, mild cases. For dogs with more severe symptoms, a prolonged course that isn’t improving as expected, or during a notable outbreak, a veterinarian may recommend a PCR panel that tests for the specific pathogens involved. Chest X-rays are sometimes performed if pneumonia is suspected based on the severity of symptoms.
How Is Kennel Cough Treated in Dogs?
Mild cases of kennel cough often resolve on their own within one to three weeks with rest and basic supportive care, without requiring specific medication. A veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant for comfort or antibiotics targeting the Bordetella bacterial component, particularly for more significant cases or dogs at higher risk of complications. Isolating an affected dog from other dogs during the illness and for the recommended recovery period helps prevent spreading the infection further.
Can Kennel Cough Be Prevented in Dogs?
A Bordetella vaccine is available and commonly recommended for dogs with regular exposure to other dogs in group settings, including boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities, many of which require proof of vaccination before admission. Good ventilation and regular sanitation in kennel and shelter environments help reduce transmission risk among dogs housed there. Avoiding exposing a dog with active symptoms to other dogs, and limiting a healthy dog’s exposure during a known local outbreak, both help reduce the spread of the illness.
When Should You See a Vet for Kennel Cough in Dogs?
See a veterinarian if a dog develops a persistent cough, particularly following recent time spent around other dogs, since a proper evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of coughing. Seek prompt veterinary care if the cough is accompanied by labored breathing, significant lethargy, or reduced appetite, since these can signal the illness has progressed toward pneumonia. Isolating a coughing dog from other dogs in the household and informing any recent boarding or daycare facility of a suspected case both help limit further spread.
What Else Do People Ask About Kennel Cough in Dogs?
The questions below cover whether kennel cough is dangerous, how long it’s contagious, whether vaccinated dogs can still get it, and whether kennel cough can spread to humans.
Is kennel cough dangerous for dogs?
Kennel cough is generally not dangerous for healthy adult dogs and typically resolves on its own within a few weeks, though it can occasionally progress to pneumonia, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with other health conditions. Monitoring for worsening symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary care if they develop helps catch any progression early.
How long is a dog contagious with kennel cough?
Dogs can remain contagious for one to several weeks depending on the specific pathogens involved, even after symptoms begin to improve, which is why a full recommended isolation period matters rather than assuming a dog is no longer contagious once the cough lessens. A veterinarian can advise on an appropriate isolation timeline for a specific case.
Can vaccinated dogs still get kennel cough?
Yes, vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, since the Bordetella vaccine doesn’t cover every possible pathogen involved in the broader respiratory disease complex and doesn’t guarantee complete protection even against Bordetella itself. Vaccinated dogs that do become infected typically experience milder illness than unvaccinated dogs.
Can kennel cough spread to humans?
No, kennel cough is not considered a risk to humans, and the pathogens involved are specific to dogs, though in rare cases Bordetella bronchiseptica has been associated with illness in people with significantly weakened immune systems. For the vast majority of households, kennel cough poses no risk to human family members.
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