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The term “kennel cough” sounds innocuous, like some mild cold virus that runs its course smoothly and causes little annoyance. But in some cases, it lingers and has serious side effects. All dogs can contract and spread it, although certain breeds tend to be more susceptible.
Understanding Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, formally known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is one of the most common contagious respiratory illnesses in dogs. Despite the name, dogs don’t need to visit a kennel to catch it. Any environment where dogs gather closely can spread kennel cough. These include daycares, grooming salons, dog parks, shelters and busy sidewalks. Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria that weaken the respiratory defenses. Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus are among the most common contributors.
Dogs inhale infectious droplets from other dogs that have been coughing or sneezing. Because these pathogens thrive in close quarters with poor ventilation, they can spread quickly within groups of animals. Most dogs remain otherwise bright and energetic, but the illness can be startling for dog owners because of the characteristic cough: a loud, abrupt, honking sound that often occurs in sudden fits and may be followed by gagging or retching.
Kennel Cough in Cats – and Humans
Cats can contract kennel cough, though that happens less frequently. They catch it from other infected dogs or cats, not only through inhalation but from shared toys or water bowls. Cats at the highest risk of exposure live in crowded conditions, especially shelters or pet stores, or share a house with infected animals. They can also pick it up by traveling or going outdoors.
Owners can occasionally get it, too, especially if they’re in the habit of putting their faces near pets’ faces. The risk of transmission remains low, and people who get kennel cough usually process it as they would any mild respiratory virus. But small children, immunocompromised people, elderly folks and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder may be hit hard by it.
Signs and Diagnosis
Most dogs with kennel cough develop a dry, hacking cough that’s easily triggered by excitement, exercise or even gentle pressure on the neck. They may also have nasal discharge or sneezing, but they typically continue to eat, play, and behave normally.
While kennel cough is usually mild and self-limiting, some dogs — particularly puppies, seniors or dogs with underlying heart or lung disease — can progress to more significant illness. Brachycephalic breeds, such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, boxers and pugs can be especially susceptible.
Veterinarians often diagnose kennel cough based on a dog’s history and clinical signs. They may recommend chest X-rays or respiratory PCR testing if pneumonia is suspected or symptoms persist.
Why Veterinary Guidance Matters
Any dog with severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite or fever should be evaluated right away. Even in straightforward cases, you should seek veterinary advice. Coughs can signal heart disease, collapsing trachea or serious respiratory infections.
Treatment and Recovery
Most dogs recover from kennel cough within one to two weeks with simple supportive care. Rest and reduced activity help minimize coughing spells, and switching from a collar to a harness can prevent irritation of the trachea. Some dogs benefit from prescription cough suppressants when coughing is persistent or disruptive; select cases may require antibiotics, if a bacterial component (such as Bordetella) seems likely, or if the dog is more susceptible to complications. Remember that many underlying causes of kennel cough are viral, so antibiotics are not always necessary.
Patient owners should watch for worsening signs like breathing difficulty, appetite loss or a wet-sounding cough. These symptoms may indicate pneumonia and require urgent care. Because kennel cough is highly contagious, dogs with a cough should be kept away from other pets until a veterinarian clears them. Good ventilation, routine cleaning of shared dog spaces, and keeping up to date on vaccines for Bordetella, parainfluenza and canine influenza reduce the chance of infection and often lessen the severity of illness after exposure.
Calling Ahead to Protect Other Pets
Because kennel cough spreads so easily through airborne droplets, you must call ahead before bringing a coughing dog to any veterinary clinic. That lets the staff take appropriate precautions: directing you to a separate entrance, placing your pet directly in an exam room upon arrival, or advising you to wait outside temporarily to minimize exposure to other patients.
These steps protect vulnerable animals in the hospital, including puppies, immunocompromised pets and animals recovering from surgery. While kennel cough is usually a mild nuisance rather than a dangerous illness, it’s a community health concern in dog-populated environments. Responsible communication and prompt veterinary evaluation help ensure the best outcome for your dog while protecting the health of others.
You can think of Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE) as the pet version of a medical center for humans. It stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And it provides a wide range of treatment, from emergency room care to board-certified specialty work, once you get a referral from your primary care veterinarian. Please look over the practice at carecharlotte.com/tour.
