your dog is relaxing beside you when suddenly they start making a harsh, honking cough that sounds alarming. While it can be frightening to hear, this type of cough is often linked to kennel cough, a common and usually mild respiratory illness in dogs. Understanding what kennel cough is, how it spreads, and what you can do about it will help you respond calmly and confidently if your dog develops symptoms.
This guide walks you through everything dog owners need to know—from early warning signs to prevention tips.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects dogs. It targets the throat and windpipe, leading to irritation and inflammation that causes frequent coughing. Think of it as the dog equivalent of a human cold—uncomfortable and annoying, but often not serious.
The most noticeable sign is a persistent, dry or productive cough that may sound worse than it actually is.
What Causes Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough isn’t caused by just one organism. Instead, it can result from a combination of bacteria and viruses working together to infect the respiratory system.
The most common bacterial culprit is Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is why kennel cough is sometimes called Bordetella. Dogs are especially vulnerable when their immune systems are already compromised by viral infections such as:
- Canine adenovirus
• Canine distemper
• Canine herpesvirus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Canine reovirus
When these pathogens weaken your dog’s defenses, Bordetella bacteria can more easily take hold.
Kennel Cough Symptoms to Watch For
The hallmark symptom is a repetitive, forceful cough that may sound like gagging or retching. Many owners describe it as similar to the sound a dog makes when trying to vomit.
Additional symptoms may include:
• Runny nose or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Mild lethargy
Despite the cough, most dogs continue to eat, play, and behave normally.
How Do Dogs Catch Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough spreads easily through airborne droplets, especially when infected dogs cough or sneeze. It can also be transmitted through shared items like food bowls, toys, or bedding.
Dogs are at higher risk when exposed to:
• Boarding kennels or doggy daycare
• Grooming salons
• Dog parks
• Crowded or poorly ventilated environments
Other contributing factors include cold weather, exposure to smoke or dust, and stress from travel, all of which can irritate the airways or weaken immunity.
Incubation Period and Recovery Time
Kennel cough typically has an incubation period of 2 to 14 days. During this time, dogs may appear healthy but can still spread the illness.
Once symptoms appear, most dogs recover within 2 to 3 weeks. Older dogs or those with underlying health issues may take longer—sometimes up to six weeks. In rare cases, kennel cough can develop into pneumonia, which requires immediate veterinary care.
If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, a follow-up visit to the vet is essential.
Kennel Cough Treatment Options
Many mild cases resolve on their own without aggressive treatment. However, supportive care can help your dog feel more comfortable during recovery.
Common recommendations include:
• Switching from a collar to a harness to reduce throat pressure
• Using a humidifier to soothe irritated airways
• Limiting exercise during recovery
Veterinarians may prescribe cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection like Bordetella is confirmed. Dogs showing lethargy, fever, or appetite loss should always be examined by a vet.
Always notify the clinic in advance if your dog has kennel cough symptoms so they can prevent exposure to other pets.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
Prevention starts with vaccination. Many routine vaccines protect against the viruses and bacteria associated with kennel cough, including Bordetella. These vaccines are often required by boarding facilities and dog daycare centers.
Important note about vaccination:
The kennel cough vaccine does not prevent infection 100%. However, it significantly reduces the chances of infection and helps the dog’s immune system produce antibodies that strengthen the body’s ability to fight the disease and reduce the severity of symptoms if infection occurs.
Additional prevention tips:
• Avoid exposing your dog to sick animals
• Keep your dog home if they show signs of illness
• Maintain good hygiene for bowls, toys, and bedding
Can Kennel Cough Spread to Humans?
In most cases, kennel cough does not infect humans. However, people with weakened immune systems may be at a very small risk of infection from Bordetella bacteria. If you or someone in your household is immunocompromised, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Final Thoughts
Kennel cough may sound scary, but it’s usually manageable and temporary. Early recognition, proper care, and preventative steps like vaccination can make all the difference in keeping your dog healthy and comfortable.
