TL;DR: What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs & How to Prevent It
- What it is: Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, caused by viruses and bacteria (like Bordetella and parainfluenza). It’s part of the broader Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
- Common symptoms: A dry, hacking cough is the hallmark. Other signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, mild fever, appetite loss, and gagging.
- How it spreads: Through close contact with other dogs or shared items (bowls, toys), common in boarding facilities, parks, and shelters.
- Home care: Isolation, rest, humidified air, hydration, nutrition, and monitoring are key. See a vet if symptoms worsen or don’t improve in 7–10 days.
- Prevention: Vaccinate your dog, avoid high-risk dog-dense environments, and maintain good general health with regular vet visits.
- When to call the vet: If there's labored breathing, loss of appetite, fever, mucus cough, or if your dog is very young, old, or immunocompromised.
- Is it contagious to humans? Rarely, but good hygiene and isolating sick dogs from other pets is still recommended.
Bottom line: Most dogs recover with care, but vaccination and prevention are the best ways to avoid this common illness.
Have you heard of kennel cough in dogs and wondered what it is? It’s a common, highly contagious respiratory infection that dogs can catch when they spend time around other dogs. This illness often causes a dry, hacking cough that can be worrying for pet owners.
What is Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus.
Dogs infected with kennel cough typically develop a dry, hacking cough, and while many recover with mild symptoms, some, especially puppies or older dogs, may develop more serious complications like pneumonia.
What is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) is a group of highly contagious respiratory infections in dogs caused by multiple viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine influenza.
CIRDC often results in symptoms like a dry hacking cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge, and it spreads between dogs through contact with an infected dog, contaminated dog toys, bowls, or close exposure at places like dog parks and boarding facilities.
This complex can cause mild symptoms in otherwise healthy dogs but may progress to pneumonia or severe symptoms, especially in puppies and older dogs.
What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is primarily a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects many dogs, especially those exposed to other dogs in environments such as dog shows, boarding facilities, or dog parks. The causes of cough in kennel cough include viruses like canine parainfluenza virus and bacteria.
Dogs get kennel cough after exposure to one dog or multiple dogs who are infected, which is why it is important to keep your dog vaccinated against kennel cough to help prevent the disease and slow the spread of kennel cough.
1. Dry, Hacking Cough
A common symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, dry, hacking cough that sounds like a honking noise. This cough is often the first sign your dog shows and is caused by inflammation in the trachea. Many dogs will develop this cough after they are exposed to other dogs or places where lots of dogs spend time.
2. Productive Cough
Some dogs develop a productive cough, where mucus or phlegm is brought up. This can indicate a secondary bacterial infection, and veterinary intervention with antibiotics may be necessary to help prevent secondary complications.
3. Sneezing and Nasal Discharge
Dogs exposed to kennel cough often show sneezing and nasal discharge, which may be clear or thickened. These symptoms are common when the dog’s upper respiratory tract becomes irritated from the infection.
4. Mild Lethargy and Reduced Energy
Dogs with kennel cough are typically mildly lethargic or show reduced activity levels. This is a natural response as the dog’s body fights the infection, and you may notice your dog plays less or seems tired.
5. Low-Grade Fever
Some dogs may develop a low-grade fever, which is a sign that their immune system is actively responding to the infectious agents causing kennel cough.
6. Loss of Appetite
While many dogs continue to eat normally, some sick dogs may lose their appetite, especially if the coughing causes discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
7. Mild Eye Discharge
Occasionally, your dog may have mild eye discharge alongside other respiratory symptoms due to mucous membrane irritation.
8. Gagging or Retching After Coughing
It is common for dogs to gag or retch after intense coughing fits, which can look like your dog has something stuck in their throat. This can be distressing but is a typical symptom of kennel cough.
9. Severe Symptoms and Pneumonia
Without treatment, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia, especially in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems. In these cases, veterinary care is critical and may include antibiotics and cough suppressants to help your dog get relief. It is important to isolate a sick dog away from other dogs to help prevent the spread of kennel cough.
How to Treat Kennel Cough at Home
Kennel cough usually causes mild symptoms, and dogs will recover from kennel cough with proper care at home. However, it’s important to monitor your dog carefully, especially if your dog is exposed to other dogs or sick dogs. Supportive care can help your dog recover from kennel cough faster and help prevent the spread of kennel cough.
1. Rest and Isolation
Keeping your dog isolated from other dogs is crucial to help prevent the spread of kennel cough. Avoid places with lots of other dogs, such as dog shows, boarding, or dog parks. Isolation helps reduce the risk of your dog spreading kennel cough or developing more severe symptoms.
2. Use Humidified Air
Using a humidifier or taking your dog into a steamy bathroom can help soothe irritated airways and ease the dry hacking cough. Moist air helps loosen mucus, which may help your dog recover from kennel cough more comfortably.
3. Provide Plenty of Fluids and Nutrition
Ensure your dog drinks plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated and help thin out mucus. Good nutrition is important to support your dog’s immune system while recovering from kennel cough.
4. Use Cough Suppressants (With Veterinary Guidance)
Cough suppressants may help reduce a persistent dry hacking cough but should only be given under veterinary supervision. Overusing cough suppressants can interfere with your dog’s ability to clear mucus and bacteria.
5. Monitor for Secondary Infections
Kennel cough can sometimes cause secondary infections or pneumonia, especially in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weak immune systems. If your dog develops a productive cough or severe symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
6. Follow Veterinary Advice and Treatment
If your dog’s symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek veterinary care. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to help your dog recover from kennel cough and prevent complications.
7. Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Limit physical activity to prevent aggravating the cough, and provide a warm, comfortable place for your dog to rest. Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or irritants that may worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
The best way to prevent kennel cough is through kennel cough vaccination, which helps protect your dog from developing kennel cough. Since every dog is at risk of contracting kennel cough, it’s important to reduce your dog’s exposure to other dogs that may be infected.
Kennel Cough Vaccine
The kennel cough vaccine is an effective way to prevent kennel cough and helps reduce the severity if your dog does develop kennel cough. A dog that is vaccinated is better protected against the common causes of this contagious respiratory disease.
Limit Exposure to Other Dogs
Limiting your dog’s exposure to other dogs, especially in places where dogs are typically close together, lowers the risk of contracting kennel cough. Avoiding areas with lots of dogs helps prevent your dog from being exposed to kennel cough.
Keep Your Dog Vaccinated
Keeping your dog up to date with the kennel cough vaccination and other vaccines like canine distemper supports their immune system. A vaccinated dog has a stronger defense against kennel cough and other infectious diseases.
Regular Veterinary Care
Every dog benefits from regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle to help prevent kennel cough. By keeping your dog vaccinated and minimizing contact with potentially infected dogs, you help prevent your dog from developing kennel cough.
What are the Causes of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection in dogs caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses. Understanding these causes helps in preventing your dog from developing kennel cough, especially in environments where dogs commonly gather. The main factors that cause kennel cough include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica is the primary bacterium responsible for kennel cough.
- Viruses such as canine parainfluenza virus and canine distemper virus also play a significant role.
- Exposure to other dogs in places like kennels, dog shows, boarding facilities, and dog parks increases the risk of infection.
- Stressful conditions, overcrowding, and poor air circulation in areas with many dogs can worsen the spread.
- Dogs that are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems are more prone to develop kennel cough.
When to Rush to a Veterinarian
If your dog shows certain signs, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately. Kennel cough is usually mild, but in some cases, it can progress and require professional treatment.
- Persistent or worsening symptoms: Even if your dog is vaccinated, they can still develop a milder form of the illness. If your dog’s cough continues for more than 7–10 days or gets worse warrants a veterinary check.
- Laboured or rapid breathing: Difficulty breathing can signal a more serious issue, such as pneumonia.
- Lethargy or loss of appetite: A drop in energy or refusal to eat could indicate your dog is struggling to recover.
- High fever: A temperature over 103°F (39.4°C) may mean the infection has spread or worsened.
- Productive cough with discharge: Mucus, pus, or blood in the cough can signal a secondary bacterial infection.
- Puppies or senior dogs affected: Very young or old dogs, and those with compromised immune systems, are more vulnerable to complications.
- No improvement after home care: If there’s no sign of recovery within a week of supportive treatment, veterinary intervention is necessary.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious but usually mild respiratory illness that affects many dogs, especially those exposed to high-contact environments. While most otherwise healthy dogs recover with proper home care, it’s essential to monitor symptoms and act quickly if they worsen.
Vaccination, avoiding exposure to infected dogs, and following veterinary advice are the best ways to protect your dog. By staying informed and proactive, you can help prevent kennel cough and ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) and how does kennel cough fit in?
CIRDC is a group of contagious respiratory illnesses in dogs, and kennel cough is a primary and well-known form of it:
Definition: CIRDC refers to various bacterial and viral infections that affect a dog’s respiratory system.
Common cause: Kennel cough is often caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, sometimes in combination with viruses like parainfluenza.
Environment: It spreads in places where dogs gather, such as kennels, dog parks, and shelters.
Terminology: "Kennel cough" is a general term, but CIRDC is the broader medical category it belongs to.
How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough or another form of CIRDC?
Dogs with kennel cough or CIRDC usually show signs of upper respiratory irritation and mild illness:
Main symptom: A dry, hacking, or “honking” cough is the most noticeable and common sign.
Additional signs: Sneezing, runny nose, mild fever, and lethargy may also appear.
Behaviour check: Most dogs remain alert and continue eating, but observe for signs of fatigue or discomfort.
Veterinary confirmation: A vet can distinguish between kennel cough and other CIRDC infections through a physical exam and history.
What steps can I take to prevent my dog from contracting kennel cough or CIRDC?
Preventive measures help reduce your dog’s exposure to contagious respiratory diseases:
Vaccination: Protect your dog with vaccines for Bordetella, parainfluenza, and adenovirus as recommended.
Safe environments: Choose clean, well-ventilated facilities that require vaccinations for boarding or daycare.
Avoid contact: Keep your dog away from coughing dogs and crowded pet areas during outbreaks.
General health: Support immune health with proper nutrition, regular vet visits, and reduced stress.
Can a dog with kennel cough be treated at home?
Mild cases of kennel cough can often be managed at home with supportive care and monitoring:
Isolation: Keep your dog away from other pets to prevent spreading the infection.
Comfort care: Provide a warm, quiet space and avoid strenuous activity that worsens coughing.
Moisture relief: Use a humidifier or steamy bathroom time to ease throat irritation.
Vet guidance: Your vet may still recommend medications or check-ups depending on symptom severity.
Can humans or other animals at home catch kennel cough?
Kennel cough rarely spreads to humans, but precautions are still important in multi-pet households:
Species barrier: Most kennel cough pathogens are species-specific and primarily affect dogs.
Rare cases: Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally infect immunocompromised humans or other pets like cats.
Hygiene practices: Wash hands, clean bedding, and disinfect shared surfaces to reduce transmission risks.
Isolation: Keep the sick dog separated from other pets until fully recovered.
