What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is more technically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. This term localizes the most common clinical sign, coughing, to the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (within the lungs). It may be caused by several viruses and bacteria — most often adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, alone or in combination.
The infection spreads rapidly from dog to dog in close quarters, such as a boarding kennel — the origin of its name. Groomers, daycare facilities, dog parks, and training classes carry the same risk: anywhere dogs share air, water bowls, or nose-to-nose greetings.
What are the signs, besides coughing?
The classic sign is a dry, honking cough, often ending in a gag or retch that owners sometimes mistake for choking. Other signs vary and can include:
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Swollen tonsils
- Wheezing
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
Most dogs otherwise feel well, keep eating, and stay active. Although the coughing is usually mild, it may persist for several weeks.
When it's more than kennel cough: a dog that stops eating, becomes listless, runs a fever, or develops labored breathing may be progressing toward pneumonia — puppies, seniors, and short-nosed breeds are most vulnerable. These dogs should be examined promptly.
What is the treatment?
There is no specific treatment for the viruses involved; they must run their course, which may take two to three weeks. Antibiotics are useful against the bacterial component, and cough suppressants help break the self-perpetuating cycle of coughing that irritates the airway and triggers more coughing.
At home, rest is the main medicine. Swap the collar for a harness to keep pressure off the throat, avoid excitement and hard exercise, and keep your dog away from other dogs until the cough has resolved — they remain contagious even as they improve.
How can I prevent it?
Most vaccination programs include protection against parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica, given to puppies and boostered in adults. Immunity after either natural infection or vaccination is neither solid nor long-lasting, so a booster before boarding is good insurance. For dogs that regularly visit kennels, dog parks, groomers, or daycare, we recommend a bordetella booster every six months.
| Vaccine route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Injection | Given under the skin; builds immunity over a few weeks |
| Intranasal | Drops placed in the nostrils; builds local immunity right where the germs enter, and takes effect faster |
Many boarding and daycare facilities require proof of recent bordetella vaccination — check their policy before your reservation, and plan the booster at least several days ahead.
Questions about anything here? Contact our team — we’re glad to help.