What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs.  Kennel cough is similar to a chest cold in humans and is usually contracted in environments where many dogs are in close proximity, like kennels, dog parks, or daycare facilities.

Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is primarily caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, but it can also be a result of various viruses like canine parainfluenza or canine adenovirus. Dogs can contract kennel cough through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces.

Fortunately, it’s generally a mild illness for most healthy dogs, but puppies, elderly dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. It often sounds like a honking goose and can sometimes be mistaken for choking.

Below are other signs that might indicate your dog has kennel cough:

Persistent cough (dry or “hacking” cough)

Gagging or retching (sometimes producing foamy saliva)

Runny nose or watery eyes

Sneezing

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Mild fever

While the cough is the standout symptom, these additional signs can vary depending on the severity of the infection and your dog’s immune response.

Treatment Options for Kennel Cough

In most cases, kennel cough resolves on its own within one to three weeks, but there are steps you can take to help ease your dog’s symptoms and ensure a smoother recovery:

Rest and Hydration:

Encourage your dog to rest and ensure they drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and aids the healing process.

Limit Exercise:

Avoid any strenuous activities that may irritate your dog’s throat further, as kennel cough can be worsened by exertion.

Humidifiers:

Using a humidifier or creating a steam-filled room can help relieve your dog’s irritated throat. Sitting with your dog in a bathroom while a hot shower runs can also provide relief.

Medication:

If symptoms persist, or if your dog is very young, old, or immunocompromised, your vet may prescribe the following:

Cough suppressants:  To reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits.

Antibiotics: If your dog is running a fever and is showing signs of severe respiratory troubles or to address a secondary bacterial infections in more severe cases.

Preventing Kennel Cough

While kennel cough isn’t always avoidable, especially for social dogs, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk:

Vaccination:

The kennel cough vaccine, usually administered as an intranasal spray or an injection, can help protect against the most common strains. While it’s not a guarantee, vaccination can lessen the severity of symptoms if your dog does contract kennel cough.

Limit Exposure to Crowded Spaces:

If your dog is particularly vulnerable or if there’s an outbreak in your area, avoid dog parks, daycare facilities, or other crowded dog spaces.

Healthy Environment:

Make sure that your dog’s living environment is clean, well-ventilated, and free from irritants like smoke, which can make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Recovery From Kennel Cough

Most dogs recover from Kennel Cough within 3-4 weeks. If a dog has a compromised immune system, is a young puppy or a senior, it may take up to 6 weeks for a complete recovery. However, the dog may still be a carrier of the disease for several weeks after he has recovered.

Is a Dog with Kennel Cough Contagious to Other Pets?

If your dog has kennel cough, he or she is contagious to other dogs and potentially to other animals, like cats or rabbits, though this is rare. The infection can easily spread through airborne droplets or contaminated surfaces, so it’s important to isolate a sick dog from other pets during recovery.

This isolation period should last at least one to two weeks after symptoms subside, as kennel cough can still be contagious even when a dog appears to be feeling better. Be sure to clean and disinfect shared items, like water bowls, toys, and bedding, to prevent the spread of the infection.

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Humans?

While kennel cough is primarily a disease that affects dogs, it can, in rare cases, be contagious to humans. The bacterium is related to Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough in humans. Though cases are rare, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, young children, or those with respiratory conditions, may be slightly more susceptible to contracting Bordetella bronchiseptica from an infected dog.

For most healthy adults, however, the risk is minimal. Still, if someone in your household is immune-compromised, it may be wise to limit contact with a dog that has kennel cough until the dog’s symptoms subside.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog’s symptoms are severe, or if they are not improving after a few days, consult your veterinarian. Additional tests or treatments may be needed, especially for high-risk dogs.

Further, a veterinarian can help you determine if the Bordetella vaccine is right for your dog. The vaccine is optional, but most vets recommend it for healthy adult dogs that are around other dogs often. Vets typically give the vaccine and booster shots during annual checkups, but some may recommend getting vaccinated every six months.