What Is Kennel Cough? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs that often causes a sudden, persistent cough. While the condition is usually mild, it spreads easily between dogs and can occasionally lead to more serious illness. Understanding what kennel cough is, how it spreads and how it’s treated can help you respond quickly and protect other dogs from exposure.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects a dog’s respiratory system, particularly the upper respiratory tract. In veterinary medicine, kennel cough is commonly referred to as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. The condition is often compared to the common cold in humans, as it spreads easily and typically causes mild clinical signs in most dogs.

The most commonly identified bacterial cause is Bordetella bronchiseptica, sometimes referred to as bordetella bacteria. With multiple pathogens being involved, dogs can develop kennel cough more than once, even if they’ve had it before or have been vaccinated.

How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by exposure to contaminated objects such as food bowls, water bowls, toys or shared surfaces. It is most likely to spread in crowded places where dogs congregate, including dog parks, dog shows, doggy daycare facilities, boarding kennels, grooming salons, veterinary hospitals and boarding facilities with poor ventilation. Even brief exposure in areas where multiple dogs interact can lead to transmission of the disease.

Kennel Cough Symptoms

A cough can be from many different causes, but kennel cough is one of the most common reasons dogs develop a sudden dry or hacking cough. The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a persistent cough, often described as a honking cough or cough-like sound similar to a goose honk. This cough may be triggered by excitement, exercise or pressure on the collar.

Other symptoms of kennel cough may include:

• Runny nose or nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Sneezing
• Mild lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Occasional gagging or retching
• Mild gastrointestinal signs in some cases

While kennel cough is often mild, severity can vary. Most dogs remain alert and continue eating and drinking normally. However, symptoms of kennel cough can be more pronounced in older dogs or those with underlying health conditions. Dogs with compact facial structures and narrower airways, including brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs, may experience prolonged coughing or breathing difficulty during a respiratory infection. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems may also be at higher risk of developing more severe signs.

If coughing becomes productive (wet or chesty sounding), symptoms worsen, or the dog shows severe signs such as fever, labored breathing or significant lethargy, veterinary diagnosis and intervention is recommended.

Kennel Cough Treatment

Treatment often depends on the severity of symptoms and the dog’s overall health. In many cases, supportive care is sufficient, and most dogs recover without complications.

Supportive care may include:

• Rest and limiting physical activity
• Avoiding exposure to other dogs during recovery (quarantine)
• Using a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the trachea
• Ensuring proper hydration and nutrition

For dogs with more persistent or severe symptoms, veterinarians may prescribe cough suppressants or medications to reduce airway inflammation. Antibiotics may be recommended if bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica are suspected or confirmed. Pet parents should follow veterinary guidance closely.

What Does a Dog Coughing from Kennel Cough Sound Like?

The kennel cough sound is often one of the first things pet parents notice. The cough is typically loud, dry and repetitive, sometimes ending with gagging. This sound occurs because the infection causes inflammation of the trachea and upper respiratory tract, making the airway sensitive and easily irritated.

Although the cough can sound alarming, it does not always indicate a serious condition. Monitoring the frequency of coughing and watching for additional clinical signs can help determine whether further veterinary care is needed.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

In most dogs, kennel cough lasts about one to two weeks. Some dogs may continue coughing for up to three weeks as the respiratory system heals. Dogs with compromised immune systems or underlying respiratory issues may take longer to recover.

Kennel cough remains contagious while symptoms are present, so limiting contact with other dogs during this time is important. Even after recovery, dogs may remain susceptible to infection again in the future.

Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs

Preventing kennel cough focuses on reducing exposure and supporting overall health. Vaccination may help lower the risk of infection or reduce symptom severity, especially for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs.

The kennel cough vaccine, including the bordetella vaccine, does not guarantee protection but can be part of a broader prevention plan. Good hygiene, avoiding shared food bowls and limiting exposure in crowded environments can also help in reducing the risk of your dog developing kennel cough.