Quick answer: Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection in dogs, caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria such as Bordetella and parainfluenza. The main sign is a dry, honking cough, sometimes with gagging, sneezing or a runny nose. Most healthy adult dogs recover in one to three weeks with rest. Keep a coughing dog away from other dogs, use a harness instead of a collar and call your vet. Get help fast for fever, not eating, lethargy, thick nasal discharge or trouble breathing, especially in puppies, seniors and flat faced breeds.

What is kennel cough in dogs?

Kennel cough is a common name for a group of respiratory infections. Vets often call it canine infectious respiratory disease complex, or CIRDC. It inflames the windpipe and airways and causes a cough. The name comes from how easily it spreads in places where many dogs are kept together, like kennels and shelters.

Several germs can cause it. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and the virus canine parainfluenza are two of the most common. Others include canine adenovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, canine influenza and Mycoplasma. Dogs are often infected by more than one germ at a time, which can make illness more severe.

Most cases are mild. Healthy adult dogs usually have a cough for one to three weeks and otherwise feel well, eating and playing as normal. Some dogs develop more serious illness, such as pneumonia, especially puppies, senior dogs, dogs with other health problems and flat faced breeds.

It is not only caught in kennels. Any place where dogs meet or share air, water bowls or toys can spread it, including dog parks, daycare, grooming salons, training classes, vet waiting rooms, pet stores and even a quick nose to nose greeting on a walk.

How does kennel cough spread?

Through the air. Infected dogs release germs into the air when they cough, sneeze or bark. Other dogs nearby breathe them in. Warm, enclosed spaces with many dogs and poor airflow, like busy indoor play areas in winter, make spread more likely.

Through direct contact. Nose to nose greetings, licking, sharing toys and playing closely all pass germs quickly. Dogs that seem healthy can still spread some infections before they start coughing, and some dogs keep shedding germs for a while after they recover.

Through shared objects. Water bowls, toys, leashes, crates, bedding and even people's hands and clothes can carry germs from one dog to another. This is why good daycare and boarding facilities clean surfaces often and avoid shared water bowls where possible.

Signs usually appear a few days after exposure. Many dogs start coughing about three to ten days after contact with an infected dog. If your dog starts coughing a few days after boarding, daycare or a dog park visit, kennel cough is a likely cause. Tell the facility so they can alert other owners.

What are the signs of kennel cough?

A dry, honking cough is the classic sign. Many owners say it sounds like a goose honk or like the dog has something stuck in its throat. Coughing often gets worse with excitement, exercise or pressure on the throat from a collar. Some dogs cough up a little white foam at the end of a coughing fit.

Other common signs include retching or gagging, sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes and a mild decrease in energy. Many dogs with mild kennel cough still eat, drink and play normally. Signs often peak in the first week and then slowly improve.

Signs of more serious illness include fever, lethargy, not eating, thick yellow or green discharge from the nose or eyes, fast or labored breathing and a wet, productive cough. These can be signs of pneumonia or canine influenza and need prompt vet care.

Not every cough is kennel cough. Heart disease, a collapsing windpipe, allergies, lungworm, something stuck in the throat and lung tumors can all cause coughing. If your dog has a cough that lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back or comes with other signs, see your vet.

How do I care for a dog with kennel cough at home?

Call your vet first. Describe your dog's signs and ask whether it needs to be seen. Many clinics ask you to call ahead or wait in the car, so your dog does not spread infection in the waiting room. Your vet will tell you if home care is enough or if your dog needs medicine.

Rest and keep calm. Limit exercise and excitement, which can trigger coughing fits. Short, calm potty walks are fine for most dogs. Skip dog parks, daycare, training classes and playdates until your vet says your dog is no longer contagious, often around two weeks after signs clear.

Use a harness instead of a collar. Pressure on the throat from a collar can set off coughing. A well fitted harness is more comfortable while your dog recovers. Keep the house warm and avoid smoke, strong scents and aerosol sprays, which can irritate the airways.

Add moisture and comfort. A humidifier or letting your dog sit in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes may soothe the airways. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water, and offer soft food if its throat seems sore. A cozy pet blanket in a quiet spot helps it rest.

How do vets treat kennel cough?

Many mild cases need only rest and time. For healthy adult dogs with a mild cough, your vet may suggest rest, isolation from other dogs and monitoring at home. Most dogs recover within one to three weeks without medicine. Your vet will advise how long to keep your dog away from others.

Cough medicines may be used for dogs whose coughing keeps them awake or makes them retch often. Only give cough medicines your vet prescribes. Many human cough and cold medicines contain ingredients, such as decongestants and xylitol, that are dangerous for dogs.

Antibiotics are not always needed. Many respiratory infections are viral, and antibiotics do not treat viruses. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection, if your dog has a fever or nasal discharge or if there are signs of pneumonia. Always finish the full course as directed.

Serious cases may need more care. Dogs with pneumonia or severe illness may need X rays, fluids, oxygen and hospital care. Puppies, seniors and dogs with other health problems are more at risk. Prompt treatment greatly improves the outcome, so do not wait if signs are getting worse.

Is there a vaccine for kennel cough?

Yes, vaccines can lower the risk. The Bordetella vaccine and canine parainfluenza vaccine protect against two of the most common causes. Bordetella vaccines come as nose drops, a mouth spray or an injection. Parainfluenza is often included in core combination vaccines. Canine influenza vaccines are also available.

Vaccines do not prevent every case. Because many different germs cause respiratory disease, a vaccinated dog can still catch kennel cough. However, vaccinated dogs often have milder signs and recover faster. Think of vaccines as one layer of protection, not a guarantee.

Your vet will recommend vaccines based on lifestyle. Dogs that go to daycare, boarding, grooming, training classes, dog shows or dog parks are at higher risk and often benefit most. Many boarding and daycare facilities require Bordetella and sometimes canine influenza vaccines before your dog can stay.

Plan ahead for holiday boarding. Some vaccines need time to work, and some need two doses a few weeks apart. Check your boarding or daycare requirements in October or early November and book a vet visit. Our year end health checklist includes a vaccine review.

What is canine influenza and how is it different?

Canine influenza is a contagious flu virus in dogs. Two main strains, H3N8 and H3N2, have caused outbreaks in the US. Most dogs have no immunity, so almost every exposed dog can become infected, although not all show signs. It spreads the same way as kennel cough, through the air, contact and shared objects.

Signs are often more severe than kennel cough. Dogs may have a cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Most recover in two to three weeks, but some develop pneumonia. Flat faced breeds, puppies and senior dogs are at higher risk of serious illness.

Dogs can spread flu for weeks. Dogs with canine influenza may be contagious for several weeks, so vets often advise isolating them from other dogs for about a month. Follow your vet's advice on when it is safe to return to daycare, boarding or group classes.

A vaccine is available. Canine influenza vaccines cover one or both strains and usually need two doses a few weeks apart, then yearly boosters. Ask your vet whether your dog needs it based on local outbreaks and your dog's lifestyle.

What other winter illnesses affect dogs?

Stomach upsets are common over the holidays from rich food, scraps and stress. Most mild cases settle within a day or two, but repeated vomiting, blood, belly pain or not eating need a vet visit. Our Thanksgiving safety guide covers the main food risks.

Hypothermia and frostbite can affect dogs left out in the cold, especially small, short coated and senior dogs. Shivering, weakness, pale or grey skin on ears, tail or paws and slowness are warning signs. Our guide to how cold is too cold for dogs explains safe limits.

Winter toxins like antifreeze, ice melt, rodent bait and some holiday plants cause many winter emergencies. Antifreeze is especially dangerous and needs immediate treatment. See our winter toxins guide for the full list.

Arthritis flares and dry skin are not infections but are common winter complaints. Stiff joints, slowness and licking at joints may be arthritis, while flakes and itching are often dry skin. See our guides to arthritis in cold weather and winter dry skin.

How can I lower my dog's risk of respiratory illness?

Keep vaccines up to date. Ask your vet which respiratory vaccines suit your dog's lifestyle and when boosters are due. Plan ahead before boarding, daycare or training classes, because some vaccines need time to work.

Choose clean, well run facilities. Good daycares, boarding kennels and groomers require vaccines, separate sick dogs, clean surfaces often, provide good airflow and avoid shared water bowls where possible. Ask how they handle coughing dogs and whether they notify owners about outbreaks. Our daycare and dog walker guide lists questions to ask.

Avoid coughing dogs. If you hear a dog coughing at the park, pet store or vet's office, keep your dog away. Skip nose to nose greetings with unfamiliar dogs during outbreaks. Bring your own water bowl on outings rather than using shared bowls.

Keep your dog healthy overall. Good nutrition, a healthy weight, regular exercise, parasite prevention and routine vet checkups all support your dog's immune system. Keep a sick dog home, and let others know if your dog develops a cough after group activities.

When should I take my coughing dog to the vet?

Call your vet for any new cough. Even if your dog seems well, your vet can help decide whether it needs to be seen and how to protect other dogs. Call ahead before visiting, so the clinic can keep your dog away from other patients.

Get help quickly for warning signs. Fever, lethargy, not eating for more than a day, thick yellow or green discharge, fast or labored breathing, blue or grey gums, coughing up blood or a cough that is getting worse instead of better all need prompt vet care. These may be signs of pneumonia or another serious problem.

High risk dogs need extra care. Puppies, senior dogs, pregnant dogs, flat faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs and dogs with heart, lung or immune problems should see a vet sooner rather than later. They are more likely to develop serious complications.

Go to an emergency clinic for breathing trouble. If your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing with its mouth open while resting, has blue or grey gums or collapses, go to the nearest emergency vet right away. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.

• A honking cough is the classic sign of kennel cough.
• It spreads where dogs gather, like daycare, boarding and dog parks.
• Most dogs recover in 1 to 3 weeks, but some need treatment.
• Vaccines lower the risk, but cannot prevent every case.
• Breathing trouble, fever or not eating need a vet right away.

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What does kennel cough sound like?

Kennel cough usually causes a dry, harsh, honking cough, often compared to a goose honk. Many dogs gag or retch at the end of a coughing fit and may bring up a little white foam.

How long does kennel cough last?

Most healthy adult dogs recover in one to three weeks. Some coughs last a little longer. Call your vet if the cough is getting worse, lasts more than a few weeks or comes with other signs like fever or not eating.

Is kennel cough contagious to other dogs?

Yes. It spreads through the air, direct contact and shared objects. Keep a coughing dog away from other dogs until your vet says it is no longer contagious, often around two weeks after signs stop.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

It is very rare. Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally infect people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people are at very low risk. Wash your hands after caring for a sick dog, especially if anyone at home has a weak immune system.

Can my vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?

Yes. Many different germs cause respiratory disease, and vaccines do not cover all of them. Vaccinated dogs often have milder signs and recover faster, so vaccines are still worthwhile for dogs at higher risk.

Should I walk my dog with kennel cough?

Short, calm potty walks on a harness are usually fine. Avoid long walks, exercise and excitement, which can trigger coughing. Stay away from other dogs, parks and shared spaces until your vet says it is safe.

What is the difference between kennel cough and canine flu?

Kennel cough is a broad term for respiratory infections that usually cause a dry cough. Canine influenza is a specific virus that often causes more severe signs, like fever and lethargy, and can be contagious for longer.

Can I give my dog cough medicine?

Only give cough medicines your vet prescribes. Many human cough and cold products contain ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, including decongestants and xylitol.

Do boarding kennels require a kennel cough vaccine?

Many boarding, daycare and grooming facilities require the Bordetella vaccine, and some also require canine influenza vaccination. Check requirements early, because some vaccines need time or two doses to work.

When is a dog cough an emergency?

Go to a vet right away if your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing with an open mouth at rest, has blue or grey gums, coughs up blood or collapses. Fever, lethargy and not eating also need prompt care.