Kennel cough, canine cough, Bordetella – no matter what you call it, it’s a highly contagious illness that can take some time to treat. Every dog owner should know the symptoms – and what to do if you think your dog has contracted it.
The scientific name for what is commonly known as “kennel cough” is tracheobronchitis. Kennel cough is confusing because, just like the flu in humans, there can be several different causes and strains, some of which are bacterial and others are viruses. The most common strain is Bordetella bronchiseptica m., which is why the vaccine commonly is confused with the illness.
In general, dogs that contract the bacteria are also infected with one of the several viruses, making them more likely to contract kennel cough. These bacteria include:
- Canine distemper
- Canine adenovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Canine reovirus
- Canine herpes
How Dogs Catch Kennel Cough
There are several ways dogs contract kennel cough. Both the viruses and bacteria particles are airborne, so dogs catch it by inhaling those particles, whether or not the infected dog is present at the time. The bacteria and viruses may also “live” for several days on objects dogs come into contact with, such as toys, bowls, fences, grass and dirt, clothing and shoes. Even though the illness was named due to association with kenneling dogs, they can also contract it anywhere they are in proximity (10-15 feet) with a dog that’s infected including through fencing with neighbors, passing other dogs while walking or hiking, at a vet’s office and even while your dog is leashed at a pet store or pet event.
Keep in mind some dogs can be carriers without showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
There are several symptoms associated with kennel cough, but keep in mind that not all dogs get all symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
- A persistent, dry cough
- Retching or sounding like they are trying to “hack up something, such as a hairball”
- Runny nose
- Lethargy (sometimes)
- Decreased appetite (sometimes)
- Fever (sometimes)
- Eye discharge
In mild cases, dogs won’t exhibit lethargy, decreased appetite or have a fever, but in serious cases, the condition can progress to include all of these symptoms. Left untreated, kennel cough can progress into pneumonia and death.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Kennel Cough
Here’s what to do if you think your dog might have kennel cough:
- The first thing to do is to keep your dog away from other dogs, including other dogs in your household. Even a slight cough once or twice a day means they ARE STILL CONTAGIOUS. Your dog should be kept away from other dogs until at a very minimum 7 days AFTER their last cough or symptom, and if they have had no vet treatment or antibiotics, they should be kept away from other dogs for at least 14 days to prevent the spread.
- Clean and disinfect your house from top to bottom to prevent other dogs from getting sick. Keep disinfecting regularly until your dog has been well for at least a week.
- Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is diagnosed with kennel cough, he or she may not be able to be around other dogs for as long as three or four weeks.
- Consider giving your dog honey to soothe your dog’s throat (about a teaspoon several times a day).
- Ask your vet about cough medicine.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.
- Keep your dog away from smoke.
- Keep your dog calm and not overly stressed (which can impede recovery).
- Use a harness to walk your dog (if you dog is feeling well enough). A collar can put pressure on your dog’s throat and cause irritation.
- Your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics and something to soothe his or her cough and sore throat.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
The best way to prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog’s Bordetella vaccination current. Just keep in mind the vaccination doesn’t protect your dog from viruses or all bacterial strains. However, if your dog is vaccinated, the symptoms tend to be less serious, just when a person who has had the flu shot contracts the flu.
Make sure you know about the dogs your dog associates with, including your friend’s dogs. Be careful at the dog park. Definitely don’t take your dog to the dog park if he or she isn’t current with vaccinations, but even if your dog is vaccinated, you are taking a risk. Even if your pooch doesn’t play with toys at the dog park, drink out of any community bowls or engage in “mouthy” play with other dogs, your pooch is at still at risk just being there, as you have no way to verify if the other dogs are current on their vaccinations or free from disease.
Here at Canine Campus we require all dogs to be current on their vaccinations, so you can rest easy knowing your dog is playing with dogs whose vaccinations have been verified. However, we do tend to get a breakout or two of kennel cough every year, especially if one of our dogs has been exposed to an out-of-state dog. Keep in mind we have one of the lowest rates of kennel cough in a daycare or overnight boarding setting, due to our careful diligence when it comes to sanitation.
If your dog coughs more than once at daycare, we will separate him or her and watch to see if the coughing continues. We will always let you know if we are concerned. And of course we will be extra meticulous about sanitation (although we are very conscientious all the time).
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take him or her to the vet right away. If your dog is a regular at Canine Campus, be sure to let us know. We care about your dog and want to see him or her stay healthy.
Has your dog been diagnosed with kennel cough? What treatment did your vet prescribe? Please share your experience with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below…
How to Care for a Dog with Hearing Loss
How Many Chromosomes Do Dogs Have and What They Mean
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs
Canine Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Ear Infections in Dogs
Hi. So, my dog, Xander, definitely came down with kennel cough. He goes to Cannine Campus every Friday. After being diagnosed by the Vet and put on antibiotics last Thursday, we skipped dropping him off last Friday. Fortunately, he is not feverish and has close to his usual level of energy. Not bad for a 12 year old. Thank you for posting this! ~Marcus
Hi Marcus,
Thank you for letting us know about Xander. This was a particularly bad strain. According to several local vets and obedience trainers, it’s “all over town”. I hope Xander is feeling better soon! – Joelle
Our girl also has been diagnosed with Kennel Cough. Canine Campus actually helped us recognize it before she was even checked in for the day! You guys are clearly being diligent.
Our vet has her on antibiotics and a cough medicine. She’s feeling better and we’re looking forward to having her return to “school.”
Thanks for the help, Canine Campus!
Hi Elizabeth, I hope River Song is starting to feel better. It’s such a bummer for everyone when illness gets into our building. See you soon! – Joelle
My dog buddy has a gagging sound once in a whike it scares me sounds like hes having breathing but it does sound like kennel coygh because it sounds like a goise sound he hasent had his shots yet ehat do i do get he does that it scares me
That does sound scary – hope you can get him in to see a vet soon! Thanks for stopping by our blog!
Our 2 1/2 year old Havanese, Bella, has had an occasional cough but what is concerning to me is her lethargy and unwilling to play. She tends to “sit out” while on our walks; sometimes lying flat on the grass. Her appetite has been good. She saw our vet a couple of weeks ago and had her annual immunizations. Does this sound like kennel cough?
Have you contacted your vet to let them know your dog is still not doing well? If not, we suggest you do so right away. If you have, what did they tell you? If you are not satisfied with your veterinary care, perhaps you should get a second opinion. Canine Campus is a dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility. We are not veterinarians and cannot give veterinary advice or a diagnosis.
both my dogs went to doggy daycare on Friday and now one of my dogs has kennel cough. my other dog just seems tired. should I take them both to the vet? and if they both have kennel cough, do I still have to keep them separated?
Yes, I suggest you contact your veterinarian to find out if your fur babies need to be seen and if they need to be separated. Please contact the daycare right away to report their symptoms. I hope they both feel better soon. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
If my dog is on antibiotics for kennel cough, can i carry the virus to another dog?
Please contact your veterinarian to find out when it is safe for your dog to be around other dogs. Thank you for stopping by the Canine Campus blog and I hope your dog is feeling better!
We brought our Doberman, Quinn to a be boarded for a week at facility and took our Pomeranian on vacation with us. Quinn came back with an awful cough and seems warm and lethargic. I know Quinn has kennel cough, how hard it is to keep these two away from each other as now I am afraid my Pomeranian will also contract kennel cough. I was afraid to give Antibiotics because I read they don’t always work. I think I may have to because I have two dogs living together that are impossible to keep apart. Thanks for all the info.
Please contact your veterinarian for a recommendation on what course of action you should take. I hope your dog is feeling better. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog.
hello, i am very eager for help at this point because nothing i’ve read has helped. my pomeranian is about 3 months old now and she got diagnosed with kennel cough awhile back at her vet. well they gave her medication for it and i totally finished it off and the coughing stopped for 2 days and now it is back again and i got another round of medication for her. now that bottle is almost done and her cough has not gotten better whatsoever. what can i do? is this even kennel cough that she has at this point?
Please continue to contact your vet if your dog is not getting better. We hope she has a speedy recovery.
i forgot to mention it has also been 42 days with her coughing in total
That is heartbreaking. We encourage you to continue to contact your vet until your dog gets better.
My dog got kennel cough two months ago went on two rounds of antibiotic and cough medicine he now coughs every once in awhile when he gets excited but he’s also sneezing and his nose is runny so I think he’s over the kennel cough now I think it’s just allergies I hope that helps you with your dog
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I hope your dog continues to feel better!
Can I as a human with a dog that has kennel cough go to my daughter’s house (without my dog) and spread kennel cough to her dogs?
It is my understanding humans can transmit Bordetella bronchiseptica germs via droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, clothing, shoes, etc. I recommend you contact your veterinarian to verify this information and determine how you can protect your daughter’s dogs. Thank you for your question and stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
Hi.
I have two dogs. One had the bordatella vaccine and the other was out of date. They were both exposed to kennel cough four days ago and are showing no symptoms. We are meant to have other dogs staying over the holidays which will have been six days from exposure. Is that enough time passed from exposure if no symptoms have started? I’m so worried. Thanks so much.
I appreciate your concern for your holiday guests’ dogs. Please contact your veterinarian’s office for guidance on how to protect them. Thank you for stopping by the Canine Campus blog. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
I have not got good information. Never does it say if your other dog can get it. And my dog is throwing up. Also, I’ve contacted by Vet. Can my puppy get it?
Any dog can get kennel cough, but puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a greater risk. I am glad you’ve reached out to your vet. I hope your pup is feeling better by now.
Kennel cough, or tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious illness affecting dogs. Symptoms include a persistent cough, retching, runny nose, and sometimes fever or lethargy. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, keep them isolated, clean your home thoroughly, and consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Preventive measures include keeping your dog’s Bordetella vaccination current and being cautious about their interactions with other dogs. Stay vigilant and prioritize your dog’s health.