Kennel cough explained

If your dog has ever come down with a honking cough after a week of dog parks, grooming or travel, you've probably heard the words "kennel cough." The name makes it sound like something dogs only catch at a kennel, but that isn't true. With kennel cough explained simply, it's a contagious respiratory infection that spreads wherever dogs share air, water bowls or close contact. Here's what causes it, why the Bordetella vaccine matters, what to watch for, and when to call your vet.

What kennel cough is

"Kennel cough" is a common name for an infection of a dog's windpipe and airways. Vets may call it infectious tracheobronchitis or part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex. It isn't caused by a single germ. Several bacteria and viruses can be involved, often together, including:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium and one of the best-known causes
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus
• Other respiratory viruses and bacteria

Because several germs can cause it, a dog can catch kennel cough more than once.

How dogs catch it

Kennel cough spreads easily from dog to dog:

• Through the air, when an infected dog coughs or sneezes
• Through shared water bowls, toys and surfaces
• Through close contact, like sniffing and playing

That's why it shows up in any place dogs gather: dog parks, training classes, groomers, vet waiting rooms, daycare, boarding, and even neighborhood walks where dogs greet nose to nose. Some infected dogs spread germs before they show any signs.

Symptoms to watch for

The classic sign is a dry, harsh, honking cough. Many owners say it sounds like the dog has something stuck in their throat. Other common signs:

• Coughing that gets worse with excitement, exercise or pressure from a collar
• Gagging or retching, sometimes bringing up white foam
• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Mild eye discharge

Many dogs with mild kennel cough still eat, drink and act like themselves, aside from the cough.

When it's more serious

Kennel cough is usually mild, but it can become more serious, especially in puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced breeds and dogs with other health problems. Call your vet promptly if your dog has:

• A fever, lethargy or low energy
• Loss of appetite
• Fast, labored or noisy breathing
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• A cough that keeps getting worse, or isn't improving

These can be signs of pneumonia or another illness that needs treatment. A cough can also come from causes unrelated to kennel cough, including heart disease, so any persistent cough deserves a vet visit.

Why the Bordetella vaccine matters

Bordetella vaccines help protect against one of the main causes of kennel cough. Two other germs linked to kennel cough, canine adenovirus and parainfluenza, are covered by the DHPP combination vaccine, along with distemper and parvovirus.

What the vaccine can and can't do

It's important to be realistic:

• The vaccine reduces the risk of infection and generally makes illness milder if it happens.
• It doesn't prevent every case, because kennel cough can be caused by germs the vaccine doesn't cover.

Think of it like a seasonal flu shot for people. It's worth getting, and it lowers the odds and severity, but it isn't a force field.

Forms and timing

Bordetella vaccines come in different forms, which may be given by injection, into the nose or by mouth. How often your dog needs it, and how far ahead of boarding or daycare to give it, depends on the product and your dog's situation. Ask your vet, and give yourself plenty of lead time before a trip.

Kennel cough and group care

Every dog at Pawliday Inn needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. Vaccines across the group lower the risk for every dog in daycare and boarding. Our guide to vaccines required for boarding and daycare explains why each one matters.

We may refuse service to dogs that show signs of illness or a contagious condition. That isn't to punish anyone. It protects your dog and everyone else's.

If your dog starts coughing

• Before a visit: keep your dog home from daycare, boarding, grooming and dog parks, and call your vet. Let us know you need to reschedule. Standard boarding can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund, and holiday reservations have a seven-day window, so call as early as you can.
• After a visit: call your vet. Kennel cough can show up several days after exposure, and it can come from any place dogs meet.

When you're comparing facilities, ask how they handle sick dogs. Our checklist for choosing dog boarding in Houston includes that question and others.

Caring for a dog with mild kennel cough

Follow your vet's advice. General tips many vets suggest:

• Rest and limit exercise until the cough eases
• Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat
• Keep your dog away from other dogs until your vet says it's safe
• Keep the air around them free of smoke and strong fumes
• Make sure they keep eating and drinking

Don't give human cough medicines or other medications unless your vet tells you to. Some are dangerous for dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog get kennel cough even if they're vaccinated?

Yes. The Bordetella vaccine lowers the risk and usually makes illness milder, but several different germs can cause kennel cough. Vaccinated dogs can still catch it.

How long does kennel cough last?

Mild cases often improve within a couple of weeks, but every dog is different. If the cough is getting worse or your dog seems unwell, call your vet.

Can people catch kennel cough from dogs?

It's very uncommon for healthy people. If someone in your home has a weakened immune system, ask a doctor.

Can my dog come to daycare with a mild cough?

No. Keep your dog home and call your vet. Dogs that show signs of illness or a contagious condition may be refused service to protect the group. For more on deciding when your dog is ready for group care, read is daycare right for my dog, and see our homepage for hours.