Kennel Cough — Overview

Key Takeaways

Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract, caused by multiple bacteria and viruses working together, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most commonly involved organisms

The characteristic honking cough can persist for 1-3 weeks in healthy dogs, though most mildly affected dogs recover without complications

While most dogs experience mild symptoms requiring only basic supportive care, severe signs like labored breathing or decreased appetite warrant immediate veterinary attention

Kennel cough vaccination provides protection against major causes but cannot prevent all forms of this infectious respiratory disease complex

Infected dogs remain contagious for weeks and should be isolated from other dogs for at least 2 weeks after symptoms completely resolve

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace an in-person examination or diagnosis. If you are concerned about your dog’s health or behavior, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace an in-person examination or diagnosis. If you are concerned about your dog’s health or behavior, contact your veterinarian promptly.

That persistent, dry cough echoing from your dog might signal more than just a minor throat irritation. When dogs cough with that distinctive honking sound, especially after recent exposure to multiple dogs, kennel cough often becomes the primary concern for worried pet owners.

This canine infectious respiratory disease affects thousands of dogs annually, spreading rapidly through boarding facilities, dog parks, and daycare facilities. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies empowers you to protect your dog’s health while making informed decisions about their care and social activities.

The term “kennel cough” originated from frequent outbreaks in boarding facilities where multiple dogs share close quarters. However, this infectious respiratory disease complex can strike anywhere dogs congregate, including dog shows, grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters.

Not all dogs develop symptoms with equal severity. While the disease progresses differently in each animal, factors like age, immune status, and overall health significantly influence outcomes. Young puppies, older dogs, and those with compromised immune systems face particular risk for more severe illness.

All dog breeds remain susceptible to this respiratory infection, though certain breeds with compromised airways may experience more severe signs. The highly contagious nature of kennel cough makes controlling spread challenging in multiple dog settings.

Causes and Transmission of Kennel Cough

The primary bacterial culprit behind kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica, a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the respiratory tract and releases toxins damaging the tracheal lining. However, this bacterial infection rarely acts alone.

Several viral pathogens commonly contribute to the disease complex:

Canine parainfluenza virus - one of the most frequently involved viral agents

Canine adenovirus type 2 - causes upper respiratory inflammation

Canine influenza virus - newer strain causing flu-like symptoms

Canine distemper virus - can cause neurologic signs in severe cases

These bacteria and viruses are considered the more commonly involved organisms in the canine infectious respiratory disease complex.

These commonly involved organisms often work synergistically, with viral infections weakening the respiratory tract’s defenses and allowing secondary bacterial infection to establish. This cooperation between pathogens explains why kennel cough vaccination targeting single agents provides incomplete protection.

How Kennel Cough Spreads

Transmission occurs primarily through airborne respiratory droplets when infected dogs cough or sneeze. The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 14 days, during which dogs may unknowingly spread the infection.

Direct contact between dogs facilitates rapid transmission, but indirect routes pose equal concern. Contaminated water bowls, toys, and surfaces harbor infectious agents for extended periods. Even close or direct contact with other infected dogs’ belongings can spread the disease.

High-risk environments include:

Boarding facilities and kennels

Dog parks and off-leash areas

Grooming salons and daycare facilities

Veterinary clinics and animal shelters

Dog shows and training classes

The challenge of making controlling spread effective stems from the disease’s ability to spread rapidly before symptoms appear, combined with prolonged shedding periods that can extend weeks beyond clinical recovery.

Common Clinical Signs

Most mildly affected dogs present with:

Persistent dry cough lasting 1-3 weeks

Occasional gagging or retching sounds

Clear nasal discharge or runny nose

Mild sneezing episodes

Normal appetite and energy levels

The dogs cough frequently but often maintain their normal activity levels and eating habits. Many owners initially mistake the symptoms for something caught in their dog’s throat.

When Symptoms Indicate Serious Concern

While most dogs experience mild illness, certain severe signs require immediate veterinary attention:

Rapid or labored breathing or difficulty breathing

Productive cough with thick, colored discharge

Decreased appetite lasting more than 24 hours

Lethargy or reduced activity levels

Fever above 103°F (39.4°C)

Gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhea

Coughing generally worsens with physical activity or excitement, but severe respiratory distress warrants emergency evaluation. Young puppies and older dogs may develop more severe illness requiring aggressive treatment.

Rare but Serious Complications

In rare instances, kennel cough can progress to bacterial pneumonia or cause neurologic signs. These complications are more likely in immunocompromised animals or those with underlying health problems. Warning signs include:

Tilt or circling behavior (neurologic involvement)

Post nasal drip with thick, discolored mucus

Persistent fever despite treatment

Loss of consciousness or collapse

Veterinary Diagnosis

Veterinarians typically diagnose kennel cough based on clinical history and physical examination findings. The distinctive honking cough, combined with recent exposure to multiple dog settings, often provides sufficient evidence for diagnosis.

During examination, veterinarians assess the dog’s ability to breathe normally and listen for characteristic respiratory sounds. They may gently palpate the trachea to elicit the typical cough response, though this isn’t always necessary if symptoms are obvious.

When Additional Testing May Be Needed

Most cases of kennel cough don’t require extensive diagnostic testing. However, veterinarians may recommend additional evaluation when:

Symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks

Signs suggest pneumonia development

Multiple dogs in a facility show severe illness

The diagnosis remains uncertain

Diagnostic options include:

Chest X-rays to evaluate lung involvement

Nasal swabs for PCR testing

Blood work to assess infection severity

Cultures to identify specific bacterial agents

According to veterinary medicine guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association, routine laboratory testing isn’t necessary for typical cases but becomes valuable when the disease progresses beyond expected parameters.

Recording cough episodes on video can help veterinarians assess severity if symptoms don’t occur during the examination. This documentation proves particularly useful for intermittent symptoms or when scheduling immediate appointments isn’t possible.

Primary Treatment Approaches

Supportive Care Forms the Foundation

Basic supportive care includes ensuring adequate rest, maintaining hydration, and monitoring for symptom progression. Most dogs benefit from:

Isolation from other dogs to prevent spread

Using harnesses instead of collars to reduce tracheal pressure

Maintaining calm environments to minimize coughing episodes

Ensuring adequate humidity in living spaces

When Medications Become Necessary

Veterinarians may prescribe medications based on symptom severity and progression:

Antibiotics : Doxycycline or similar drugs for suspected bacterial involvement

Cough suppressants : To improve sleep quality and reduce tracheal irritation

Anti-inflammatory medications : Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications for severe inflammation

The decision to treat dehydration or reduce fever depends on individual case severity. Not all dogs require medication, as many cases resolve naturally with supportive care alone.

Home Management Strategies

Several home remedies can provide comfort during recovery:

Humidification : Steam from bathroom showers or cool-mist humidifiers

Honey : Small amounts for dogs over one year (never for puppies)

Gentle exercise restriction : Avoiding strenuous activity while maintaining light movement

Stress reduction : Minimizing excitement and maintaining routine schedules

Recovery Timeline and Management

Understanding the typical recovery timeline helps owners set realistic expectations and recognize when veterinary consultation becomes necessary. Most dogs experience predictable recovery patterns, though individual variation occurs.

Expected Recovery Timeframes

Healthy adult dogs : 1-3 weeks for complete resolution

Young puppies : 2-4 weeks, with closer monitoring required

Older dogs : Up to 6 weeks, particularly those with underlying conditions

Immunocompromised dogs : Variable, often requiring extended care

The healthy dog typically shows improvement within the first week, with cough frequency and intensity gradually decreasing. However, intermittent coughing may persist even as dogs feel better overall.

Isolation Requirements

Infected dogs remain contagious well beyond symptom resolution. Proper isolation protocols include:

Minimum 2 weeks after cough completely stops

Separation from healthy dogs in multi-dog households

Avoiding public dog areas during recovery

Cleaning and disinfecting shared items thoroughly

This extended isolation period frustrates many owners but remains crucial for preventing community outbreaks. The CIRDC associated organisms can shed for weeks, making early return to social settings risky for other dogs.

Monitoring During Recovery

Daily observation should focus on these key indicators:

Cough frequency and character : Should gradually decrease

Appetite and hydration : Maintained throughout recovery

Energy levels : Gradual return to normal activity

Breathing patterns : Should remain comfortable at rest

Any deterioration in these areas, especially rapid or labored breathing, requires immediate veterinary attention. The goal is steady improvement, not dramatic daily changes.

Kennel Cough Vaccination Options

Kennel cough vaccination provides protection against the most common causative agents, though it cannot prevent all forms of this complex disease. Available vaccine types include:

Injectable Vaccines

Administered subcutaneously during routine visits

Often combined with other core vaccines

Provide systemic immunity lasting 6-12 months

Intranasal Vaccines

Delivered directly to nasal passages

Stimulate local mucosal immunity

Faster onset of protection (within days)

May cause mild sneezing for 1-2 days post-vaccination

Oral Vaccines

Administered as liquid drops in the mouth

Similar benefits to intranasal forms

Easier administration for some dogs

Vaccination Schedules and Recommendations

Most veterinarians recommend annual Bordetella vaccination for average-risk dogs. However, dogs with frequent exposure to multiple dog settings may benefit from boosters every 6 months.

High-risk dogs requiring more frequent vaccination include those regularly attending:

Boarding facilities during travel periods

Daily daycare programs

Training classes or dog shows

Grooming salons with multiple clients

Environmental Prevention Strategies

Beyond vaccination, environmental modifications reduce transmission risk:

Avoiding overcrowded facilities : Choose smaller daycare or boarding options

Timing facility use : Avoid peak seasons when possible

Facility selection : Research ventilation, cleaning protocols, and health requirements

Alternative arrangements : Consider in-home pet sitting for high-risk dogs

Special Considerations

Certain dogs face elevated risks for severe complications or prolonged illness. Understanding these risk factors helps owners make informed decisions about prevention and treatment approaches.

High-Risk Groups

Young Puppies Puppies under 4 months lack fully developed immune systems and may experience more severe illness. Their vaccination series may not be complete, leaving gaps in protection. Young puppies require:

Delayed socialization until vaccine series completion

Immediate veterinary evaluation for any respiratory symptoms

Careful monitoring for signs of pneumonia development

Senior Dogs Older dogs often have compromised immune function and may harbor underlying health problems that complicate recovery. They frequently require:

Extended recovery periods

More aggressive supportive care

Careful monitoring for secondary complications

Immunocompromised Animals Dogs with cancer, autoimmune diseases, or those receiving immunosuppressive medications face particular risk for severe disease progression.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs) like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers may experience more severe signs due to their already compromised respiratory anatomy. These breeds require:

Extra caution in high-risk environments

Immediate veterinary evaluation for any respiratory symptoms

Careful monitoring during recovery periods

Potential Complications

While most cases resolve without incident, serious complications can develop:

Bacterial pneumonia : Requires aggressive antibiotic therapy and supportive care

Chronic bronchitis : Long-term respiratory inflammation

Secondary infections : Other opportunistic pathogens taking advantage of weakened defenses

These complications are more likely in dogs with pre-existing health problems or those who don’t receive appropriate care during the acute phase.

FAQ

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Can kennel cough spread to humans or other pets?

Kennel cough primarily affects dogs and rarely spreads to humans. However, immunocompromised people or those with severe respiratory conditions should exercise caution around infected dogs. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally cause respiratory symptoms in humans with weakened immune systems. Cats can develop similar respiratory infections, but direct transmission from dogs to cats is uncommon. Other household pets like rabbits or guinea pigs are not typically affected by the same organisms causing kennel cough in dogs.

How long is a dog contagious with kennel cough?

Dogs remain contagious from the incubation period through approximately 2 weeks after symptoms completely resolve. The incubation period lasts 2-14 days, during which dogs may unknowingly spread infection. Even after the characteristic cough stops, dogs can continue shedding bacteria for weeks. Bordetella bronchiseptica, in particular, can be shed for up to 3 months post-infection in some cases. This extended contagious period is why isolation requirements extend well beyond symptom resolution and why infected dogs should avoid contact with other dogs for a minimum of 2 weeks after complete recovery.

Can vaccinated dogs still get kennel cough?

Yes, vaccinated dogs can still develop kennel cough, though typically with milder symptoms and shorter duration. Vaccines protect against the more commonly involved organisms but cannot prevent infection from all possible causative agents. The infectious respiratory disease complex involves multiple viruses and bacteria, and new strains occasionally emerge that aren’t covered by current vaccines. Additionally, vaccine immunity wanes over time, which is why annual or bi-annual boosters are recommended for high-risk dogs. Breakthrough infections in vaccinated dogs are usually less severe and resolve more quickly than infections in unvaccinated animals.

When should I take my dog to the vet for kennel cough?

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows any severe signs including difficulty breathing, rapid or labored breathing, productive cough with colored discharge, or decreased appetite lasting more than 24 hours. A persistent cough lasting more than 5 days without improvement also warrants professional evaluation. Young puppies, older dogs, and those with pre-existing health problems should be evaluated promptly even for mild symptoms. Additionally, if your dog develops neurologic signs like tilt or circling behavior, shows signs of dehydration, or appears unusually lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately as these may indicate complications requiring aggressive treatment.

Is kennel cough the same as canine influenza?

While both conditions cause respiratory symptoms, kennel cough and canine influenza are distinct diseases. Kennel cough refers to the broader infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) caused by multiple organisms working together, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the primary bacterial component. Canine influenza virus is one specific viral agent that can contribute to kennel cough symptoms, but it can also cause standalone flu-like illness. Canine influenza typically causes more severe systemic symptoms including higher fevers, and the cough is often more productive compared to the characteristic dry, honking cough of typical kennel cough. Both conditions are highly contagious, but they require different vaccination strategies and may need distinct treatment approaches.