If you’ve ever heard your dog suddenly start hacking as though there’s something stuck in his throat, it is cause for concern. That dry, honking cough that seems to come out of nowhere? Yep — that might be kennel cough.
It is among the most frequently encountered but least understood diseases in dogs. Most of the time it’s a mild infection, but untreated, it can lead to serious problems — including pneumonia in some dogs. The good news? Kennel cough is entirely treatable with proper care and prevention.
Let’s take it step by step in straightforward terms — what it is, how it can spread, when to be suspicious, and most important of all: What you need to do to keep your furry friend out of harm’s way before there is no happy ending.
🦠 What Exactly Is Kennel Cough?
Think of kennel cough (officially called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, or CIRDC) as the “common cold” for dogs — except that it spreads even faster. It’s not due to one single germ, but instead a variety of viruses and bacteria that converge to attack your dog’s respiratory system.
The main troublemakers include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (the most common bacterial cause)
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Canine adenovirus type 2
When these germs invade, they irritate the lining of your dog’s airways — including her throat, trachea and bronchi — resulting in that dry, harsh cough.
Dogs catch kennel cough in the same manner people pick up a cold: close contact, shared air and contaminated surfaces. One cough from an infected pup can launch thousands of tiny droplets into the air. Your dog simply being in the area, sniffing a zardly piece of shared toy, or drinking from the same bowl — boom they’re exposed.
🏠 Real-Life Example: How Max Caught Kennel Cough
Just this past summer, my friend Lisa dropped her golden retriever, Max, off at a highly regarded dog day care in Boston for a weekend wedding she had to attend. The place was clean, air-conditioned and wanted vaccination records — everything you’d hope for from a safe facility.
A few days after arriving back home, Max began to cough. It was like a loud honk every couple of minutes, especially when he got excited or after drinking water. Lisa assumed he had swallowed something amiss, but when the coughing continued she took him to her veterinarian.
The diagnosis? Kennel cough.
Max must have been in contact with another infected dog, even if that dog had no signs of illness yet. Thanks to rest, some vet-prescribed cough medication and a whole lotta TLC, Max was back to wagging his tail in about two weeks.
Lisa now calls each of them in advance to inquire about their ventilation systems and vaccine requirements — a small measure that goes a long way.
💡 Common Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough may sound worse than it is — but that’s not to say you shouldn’t keep an eye on it. The most characteristic sign is a dry, hacking cough, which is sometimes called a “goose-honking” cough.
Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
- Non-productive cough that continues for a long time -may be induced by excitement or exercise.
- Gagging or retching (like your dog trying to cough something up but nothing comes out)
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Eyes water, or there is Some discharge from the eye
- Appetite loss or low energy (in more severe cases) Slight fever
Most healthy dogs will still eat, play, and act normal — which is why many owners miss the early signs. But if your dog seems tired, stops eating, or the cough lasts more than a week, it’s time to call your vet.
⏱️ How Long Does It Last?
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) usually ranges from 2 to 14 days. Most mild cases clear up within 1 to 3 weeks, but some dogs — especially puppies, seniors, or those with weak immune systems — may take longer.
If untreated, kennel cough can develop into pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. So, while it might start off like “just a cough,” it’s not something to brush off.
🩺 Treatment: What Your Vet Will Do
Here’s the good news: most dogs get better without any significant treatment. But you should still make a vet visit — not only for peace of mind, but also to stave off complications or prevent the infection from spreading to other dogs.
Your vet may recommend:
- Cough suppressants (to ease irritation and help your pup rest)
- Antibiotics if suspected bacterial infection like Bordetella
- Anti-inflammatories to reduce throat swelling or fever
- Plenty of rest and hydration
And yes — keep your dog isolated during recovery. If they appear to be all better, it doesn’t mean that they’re no longer contagious: They can remain so for two weeks after symptoms stops.
At home, try these comfort tips:
- Opt for a harness, not a collar, to prevent pressure on the throat.
- Run a humidifier or give your dog access to steam (as in a warm shower).
- Keep the air clean — no cigarette smoke, aerosols or dust.
- Use a moist towel to gently wipe nose or eye discharge away.
- Give extra love and calm — stress weakens the immune system!
Canine Distemper: Is Your Dog at Risk? Find Out Now!
🧬 Can Humans or Other Pets Catch Kennel Cough?
Humans very rarely get kennel cough. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica can sometimes, very rarely, infest people with compromised immune systems — but for healthy humans, it’s nothing to worry about.
Cats can get a very similar infection, but it is unlikely that they will unless they are in close contact with infected dogs.
💉 Prevention: Your Best Defense
As with so many pet diseases, prevention is superior to treatment.
Here’s how you can keep your pup protected:
1. Stay on Top of Vaccinations
Your dog’s core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus or hepatitis, parainfluenza) already protect against some of the germs associated with kennel cough.
Also inquire about the Bordetella vaccine that specifically addresses a common strain of bacteria. It comes in three forms — nasal spray, oral dose and injection.
It doesn’t protect your pet from 100% of the germs that can cause kennel cough, but it makes the disease far less severe if he does get infected.
Today, most boarding facilities and doggy daycares in the United States require proof of a recent Bordetella vaccination — typically renewed every 6 to 12 months.
2. Choose Boarding & Daycare Carefully
Before boarding your dog at a kennel or daycare, inquire:
- How frequently do they disinfect shared spaces and toys?
- What’s their ventilation system like?
- Do they mandate that all dogs are vaccinated?
Facilities with good airflow, vaccination requirements, and limited crowding have the lowest risk.
3. Avoid Stress & Crowding
Stress also has a negative impact on a dog’s immune defenses, leaving them susceptible. Keep your pup calm whenever possible — from traveling to grooming appointments to boarding.
4. Keep Sick Dogs Home
Keep your dog away from parks and grooming salons and playdates if they’re coughing. Even if you’re not sure it’s kennel cough, better safe than sorry and prevent the spread of whatever ails your pet.
❤️ When to Worry (and When Not To)
If your dog is otherwise healthy, playful and eating, kennel cough will probably resolve itself. But definitely get on a vet’s schedule if you see any of the following:
- Cough for more that 10 days
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Thick nasal discharge
These can indicate pneumonia or some other infection that requires prompt attention.
🗣️ Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Kennel cough can also sound dramatic — that honking cough can cause even hardy dog owners to panic. But in the vast majority of cases, it is an illness that comes and goes with a few days’ rest at home and some basic care.
The key is to catch it early and prevent it from spreading. Keep vaccinations current, choose safe play environments, and watch for those first signs of a dry cough.
Dogs are the givers of untold affection, laughter and dirty pawprints. Let’s at least try to protect them from something as easily preventable as kennel cough.
For as Lisa discovered with Max — even one weekend away can mean weeks of worrying if you’re not ready.
🐶 FAQs About Kennel Cough
1. Can my dog get kennel cough even if they’re vaccinated?
They are, but usually far less severe. The vaccine is not effective against every strain, but it can significantly lower the risk and severity.
2. How long is a dog contagious with kennel cough?
Dogs are typically contagious for as long as two weeks after coughing begins — and sometimes even if they have stopped coughing.
3. Can my dog still go for walks if they have kennel cough?
Short, gentle walks are fine, but avoid dog parks or areas with other pets. Always use a harness instead of a collar.
4. Should I take my dog to the vet for every cough?
If the cough lasts more than a few days, your dog seems tired, or stops eating — yes, call your vet. Otherwise, mild cases often resolve naturally.
5. Can I prevent kennel cough naturally?
While vaccines are your best defense, a strong immune system helps. Feed a balanced diet, keep your dog active, reduce stress, and avoid smoky or dusty environments.
🐾 The Bottom Line
Kennel cough may be common, but it isn’t necessarily inescapable. Awareness, vaccination and good hygiene are all you need to keep your furry family member safe — and those sleepless nights eating your heart out while listening to that heartbreaking cough at bay. Protect your pup today. Since for their health, a small preventive step can make a big difference.
