Kennel Cough In Dogs: Guide To Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Protect your furry friend from infectious respiratory issues with proven care strategies.

By Srija Burman

Sep 1, 2025

Protect your furry friend from infectious respiratory issues with proven care strategies.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment

Kennel cough, medically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a prevalent and highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. Characterized by a distinct, forceful cough, kennel cough can be alarming for pet owners but is typically manageable with appropriate care and preventative strategies. This guide provides an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures for kennel cough to keep your dog healthy and safeguard other pets in your community.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a term that describes a collection of infectious agents causing inflammation of a dogâs upper respiratory tract. This disease is especially common in environments where dogs are housed together, such as kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, shelters, and grooming facilities. Though kennel cough is often mild, it can be more serious in puppies, senior dogs, or those with compromised immune systems.

What Causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a multifactorial disease, usually resulting from a combination of pathogens. The most common culprits include:

Bordetella bronchiseptica (a type of bacteria): Frequently identified in kennel cough incidents and can infect dogs on its own or in combination with viruses.
Canine parainfluenza virus: A common virus that contributes to the condition.
Canine adenovirus type 2: Another viral agent associated with respiratory illnesses.
Other microorganisms (e.g., mycoplasma, canine respiratory coronavirus and more) may also play a role.

The disease spreads easily through airborne droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or direct nose-to-nose contact. It also thrives on contaminated surfaces and hands, making sanitation and isolation crucial in outbreak settings.

How Kennel Cough Spreads

Kennel cough is highly contagious. Dogs can contract the infection through:

Direct contact with an infected dog (e.g., sniffing, playing)
Shared water or food bowls, toys, or bedding
Exposure to respiratory droplets in the air, especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces

Because the disease is so transmissible, outbreaks are most common in crowded environments where many dogs interact closely.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs

The hallmark sign of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful, hacking cough that often sounds like something is lodged in your dogâs throat. Other symptoms may include:

Dry, honking or goose-like cough (worse with exercise or excitement)
Retching or gagging after coughing
Watery nasal discharge
Occasional sneezing
Mild lethargy
Decreased appetite (rare in mild cases)
Low-grade fever (occasionally)

Most dogs remain alert and otherwise healthy, but severe casesâparticularly in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised petsâmay progress to pneumonia, producing more serious symptoms like high fever, severe lethargy, and rapid or labored breathing.

What Does Kennel Cough Sound Like?

The cough associated with kennel cough is distinct from other respiratory sounds in dogs. It is usually described as:

Loud, harsh, or honking
Sometimes followed by gagging, retching, or a “goose-honk” noise
Persistent, often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the trachea (for example, when using a collar and leash)

If you notice this type of cough in your dog, especially after exposure to other dogs, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Risk Factors for Kennel Cough

While kennel cough can affect any dog, several factors increase susceptibility:

Frequenting dog parks, kennels, grooming salons, or doggy daycare centers
Living in shelters or multi-dog households
Young or senior age
Unvaccinated status
Underlying respiratory or immune system issues
Exposure to cold temperatures, poor ventilation, or crowded conditions

How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?

Veterinarians typically diagnose kennel cough based on clinical signs, recent exposure history, and a physical examination. In most mild, straightforward cases, additional diagnostics are not necessary. However, your vet may recommend further testing if:

The cough is severe, chronic, or worsening
Your dog is very young, old, or has a history of respiratory disease
Pneumonia or other complications are suspected

Diagnostic tests may include chest X-rays, complete blood counts, or swabs of respiratory secretions to identify specific pathogens.

Treatment for Kennel Cough

Most cases of kennel cough are mild and will resolve on their own within 1-3 weeks. Supportive care at home is often sufficient. Recommendations include:

Allow the dog to rest and avoid vigorous activity
Keep your dog in a warm, humid environment (using a humidifier can help)
Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the trachea, minimizing coughing fits
Offer soft, palatable foodâespecially if your dogâs throat is irritated

Veterinary intervention may be needed if symptoms are severe, persistent, or your dog is at higher risk due to age or underlying illness. Treatment might include:

Anti-inflammatories: To reduce airway inflammation and bring down a fever, if present.
Antibiotics: Only rarely prescribed, as most cases are viral. However, if your dog shows signs of secondary bacterial infection or is at high risk, your veterinarian may recommend a short antibiotic course.
Antitussives (Cough Suppressants): Prescribed in select cases to manage persistent cough, but not recommended if pneumonia is present.
Hospitalization and isolation in severe or complicated cases (such as pneumonia).

Do not administer any human medications or over-the-counter cough suppressants unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

Most dogs recover from kennel cough within one to three weeks. Milder cases often improve quickly, sometimes within several days. However, persistent symptoms beyond three weeks, or the development of high fever, lethargy, or labored breathing, warrant immediate veterinary attention as they may indicate pneumonia or another complication.

Can Dogs Get Kennel Cough More Than Once?

Yes, dogs can contract kennel cough multiple times throughout their lives. Immunity after an infection is not lifelong and may only last for several months. Because there are multiple infectious agents involved and they can mutate, reinfection is possible, especially after exposure to other dogs or new kennel cough strains.

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Humans or Other Animals?

Kennel cough is highly contagious among dogs but rarely affects humans. People with weakened immune systems should be cautious around infected pets, especially if the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium is involved. The risk to other household pets such as cats is very low.

How to Prevent Kennel Cough in Dogs

Prevention focuses on minimizing your dogâs exposure to the disease and boosting immunity. Effective strategies include:

Vaccination: Vaccines are available against Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. Dogs that regularly interact with other dogs should be vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian.
Avoid high-risk environments: During outbreaks, steer clear of crowded dog parks, daycare centers, and kennels unless necessary.
Good hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfection of bowls, bedding, and toys.
Isolate infected dogs from others for at least two weeks beyond resolution of symptoms.

While vaccines may not prevent all cases, they reduce the risk and severity of infection. Discuss a suitable vaccination schedule with your veterinarian, especially if your dog attends social dog events or is boarded regularly.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Kennel Cough

Contact your veterinarian for advice, especially if your dog is very young, elderly, or has an underlying health issue.
Isolate your dog from other pets to limit the spread of infection.
Monitor for worsening symptoms, such as breathing difficulty, fever, or lethargy.
Follow your vetâs recommendations on home care, medication, and quarantine duration.

Most dogs recover with supportive care, but prompt veterinary attention is crucial for those with severe or complicated illness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kennel Cough

What is the best home remedy for kennel cough?

The best home remedies focus on supportive care: providing rest, using a humidifier, feeding soft foods, and using a harness instead of a collar. Never give your dog human medication unless advised by a veterinarian.

Should I quarantine my dog with kennel cough?

Yes, you should keep your affected dog isolated from other dogs for a minimum of two weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent the spread of illness.

Will my dog need antibiotics for kennel cough?

Antibiotics are rarely needed because kennel cough is commonly caused by viruses. However, they may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected or your dog is at higher risk due to age or health status.

Can kennel cough go away on its own?

Yes, most cases resolve independently within 1-3 weeks without requiring medication. If symptoms worsen or persist, see your veterinarian.

Is kennel cough dangerous?

While kennel cough is generally mild, it can become serious in puppies, older dogs, or those with compromised immunity. In those populations, complications like pneumonia are possible and require immediate veterinary care.

Summary Table: Kennel Cough Overview

Aspect	Description
Primary Causes	Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine viruses
Main Symptom	Harsh, honking cough
At-Risk Dogs	Puppies, seniors, unvaccinated, immune compromised
Spread	Airborne droplets, direct contact, shared items
Treatment	Supportive care, rarely antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
Prevention	Vaccination, hygiene, avoiding high-risk areas

Conclusion

Kennel cough is an unpleasant but usually manageable respiratory condition in dogs. With prompt recognition, supportive care, and preventative strategies like vaccination and good hygiene, most dogs will recover quickly and completely. Always consult your veterinarian for specific advice, especially if your dog is at greater risk for complications. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options is key to keeping your dog healthy and preventing outbreaks in your community.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman