Quick Answer
Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) causes a distinctive dry, honking cough that sounds like a goose. It's caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and/or several respiratory viruses. Most cases are mild and resolve in 1-3 weeks with rest and home care. The Bordetella vaccine is the best prevention, especially before boarding, daycare, or grooming.
Table of Contents
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis — an inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (airways in the lungs). It's similar to a chest cold in humans and is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs.
The name “kennel cough” comes from its rapid spread in kennels, shelters, and anywhere dogs are housed closely together. However, dogs can catch it anywhere they encounter other dogs — dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, vet waiting rooms, or even on walks.
While kennel cough sounds alarming, it's usually no more serious than a human cold. Most healthy adult dogs recover fully without medication. However, it can be serious in puppies under 6 months, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs.
Causes: Bordetella and Beyond
Kennel cough isn't caused by a single pathogen — it's usually a combination of bacteria and viruses working together:
| Pathogen | Type | Role in Kennel Cough | Vaccine Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordetella bronchiseptica | Bacteria | Primary cause, most common agent | Yes (intranasal, oral, injectable) |
| Canine parainfluenza virus | Virus | Common co-infection, damages airways | Yes (in DHPP combo vaccine) |
| Canine adenovirus type 2 | Virus | Contributing agent | Yes (in DHPP combo vaccine) |
| Canine influenza virus | Virus | Can cause similar symptoms | Yes (H3N2 and H3N8 strains) |
| Canine respiratory coronavirus | Virus | Contributing agent | No |
| Mycoplasma species | Bacteria | Occasional co-infection | No |
In many cases, a virus first damages the respiratory lining, then Bordetella bacteria invade and cause the characteristic persistent cough. This is why the Bordetella vaccine alone doesn't prevent all cases — there are multiple pathogens involved.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
Symptoms typically appear 3-10 days after exposure. The hallmark symptom is the distinctive cough:
The Classic Honking Cough
- Dry, harsh, honking cough that sounds like a goose
- Sounds like something is stuck in the throat
- Often followed by gagging or retching (sometimes producing white foam)
- Worse after exercise, excitement, drinking water, or pulling on a leash
- Can be triggered by light pressure on the trachea (throat area)
- May come in fits or paroxysms with quiet periods between
Other Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny nose (clear discharge)
- Watery eyes
- Mild lethargy in some dogs (many remain active and eat normally)
- Low-grade fever (rare in uncomplicated cases)
Kennel Cough vs. Other Conditions
Kennel cough sounds similar to reverse sneezing, tracheal collapse, heart disease, and foreign body in the throat. If the cough persists beyond 3 weeks, is productive (brings up colored mucus), or your dog is struggling to breathe, a different diagnosis may be needed.
Grooming salons require Bordetella vaccination to help prevent kennel cough spread
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads through three main routes:
- Airborne droplets: When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, bacteria and viruses travel in tiny droplets up to 6 feet through the air. Indoor spaces with poor ventilation are highest risk.
- Direct contact: Nose-to-nose contact, sharing water bowls, sharing toys, and mutual grooming all spread infection.
- Contaminated surfaces: Bordetella can survive on surfaces (food bowls, kennel walls, leashes) for up to 48 hours. Infected dogs can spread it even before symptoms appear.
Dogs are most contagious during the first 7-14 days of infection, but can continue shedding Bordetella for up to 14 weeks after symptoms resolve.
High-Risk Environments
- Boarding kennels and doggy daycare
- Dog parks and off-leash areas
- Grooming salons
- Veterinary waiting rooms
- Puppy training classes
- Dog shows and competitions
- Animal shelters and rescue facilities
Home Treatment for Kennel Cough
If your dog is eating, drinking, and acting relatively normal aside from the cough, you can manage mild kennel cough at home:
Rest and isolation
Keep your dog away from other dogs for at least 14 days after symptoms resolve. Avoid dog parks, daycare, and grooming appointments. Limit exercise to short, calm walks.
Use a humidifier
Adding moisture to the air soothes irritated airways and helps reduce coughing fits. Place a cool-mist humidifier near your dog's sleeping area. Alternatively, let your dog rest in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes.
Switch to a harness
Pressure on the trachea from a collar triggers coughing. Switch to a harness for all walks and outings during recovery.
Honey for cough relief
Raw honey can soothe the throat and has mild antibacterial properties. Give 1/2 to 1 tablespoon 2-3 times daily for dogs over 1 year old. Do not give honey to puppies under 1 year.
Avoid irritants
Remove air fresheners, scented candles, cigarette smoke, and strong cleaning products. These irritate inflamed airways and worsen coughing.
Good nutrition and hydration
Ensure your dog continues eating and drinking normally. Warm broth can encourage hydration and soothe the throat. Soften kibble with warm water if the cough makes eating uncomfortable.
Respiratory Comfort for Dogs
Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier
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Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Mist Humidifier
Germ-free cool mist humidifier. UV technology kills bacteria in water. Quiet operation for pets.
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When to See the Vet
While most kennel cough is mild, some cases need veterinary intervention. See your vet if:
Call the Vet If You Notice:
- 1. Cough persists beyond 2 weeks with no improvement
- 2. Thick, colored nasal discharge (green or yellow) — suggests secondary pneumonia
- 3. Loss of appetite or refusing to drink water
- 4. Fever (rectal temperature above 103°F / 39.4°C)
- 5. Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or breathing with mouth open at rest
- 6. Severe lethargy — your dog is flat and uninterested in anything
- 7. Puppy under 6 months or senior dog over 10 years
- 8. Dog has other chronic conditions (heart disease, collapsing trachea, immunosuppression)
What the Vet May Prescribe
- Antibiotics (doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanate) — for secondary bacterial infections or to target Bordetella directly
- Cough suppressants (hydrocodone or butorphanol) — for severe coughing that disrupts sleep or eating
- Anti-inflammatories — to reduce airway inflammation and swelling
- Nebulization therapy — for severe cases or dogs developing pneumonia
- Chest X-rays — to check for pneumonia if symptoms are worsening
Bordetella Vaccination
The Bordetella vaccine is the primary defense against kennel cough. Here's what you need to know:
| Vaccine Type | How Given | Onset of Protection | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal | Squirted in the nostrils | 3-5 days | ~12 months |
| Oral | Liquid in the mouth | 3-5 days | ~12 months |
| Injectable | Under the skin (2 initial doses) | ~2 weeks after second dose | ~12 months |
Timing Tip
Plan vaccination at least 5-7 days before boarding or grooming to ensure full protection. The intranasal and oral versions provide the fastest immunity (3-5 days). Most facilities require proof of vaccination within the last 12 months.
Prevention for Boarding & Grooming
- Keep Bordetella vaccination current — boosted annually or every 6 months for high-exposure dogs
- Ensure core vaccines (DHPP) are up to date, which covers parainfluenza and adenovirus
- Choose boarding and grooming facilities that require vaccination proof and have good ventilation
- Ask facilities about their disinfection protocols and how they handle sick dogs
- Avoid taking your dog to crowded dog events during outbreaks in your area
- If your dog is coughing, keep them home and away from other dogs for at least 14 days after symptoms resolve
- Wash food and water bowls daily, especially if shared with other dogs
- Support your dog's immune system with good nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kennel cough sound like?+
How long does kennel cough last?+
Is kennel cough contagious to humans?+
Does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?+
Can my dog get kennel cough even if vaccinated?+
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Make sure your dog's Bordetella vaccine is current before their grooming appointment. A good grooming salon requires proof of vaccination to protect all their furry clients.
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