Kennel Cough Symptoms and Treatment in Dogs

RespiratoryQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled the essential information every pet owner should know about kennel cough, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and vaccination.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease caused by pathogens such as Bordetella bacteria and parainfluenza virus infecting a dog's airways. The most critical point to remember is its high contagiousness. In places where many dogs gather, such as daycare centers, boarding facilities, or training schools, the infection can spread rapidly even if just one dog is affected. While most dogs recover naturally within 1 to 2 weeks, puppies and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing pneumonia, making early intervention essential.

Causes and Transmission of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough isn’t caused by a single pathogen, but rather by a combination of various bacteria and viruses working together.

Bordetella bronchiseptica: This is a primary bacterial cause of kennel cough. It has the ability to evade the host’s immune defenses, playing a significant role in worsening symptoms during co-infections.

Parainfluenza virus: This virus infects the respiratory tract lining, leading to coughing. It’s one of the most common and clinically important viral causes associated with kennel cough.

Mycoplasma and other pathogens: In addition to viruses and bacteria, other pathogens like Mycoplasma can contribute to mixed infections, often resulting in more severe symptoms than single infections.

The disease spreads through droplets from the coughs and sneezes of infected dogs, which become airborne. Bordetella bronchiseptica can also be transmitted via shared items like water bowls, toys, or even human hands. In environments where multiple dogs are in close contact, the infection can spread quickly even if just one dog is affected. Therefore, it’s especially important to maintain good hygiene and isolate any dogs suspected of being infected.

Kennel Cough Key Symptoms Checklist

Kennel cough typically begins with a distinctive dry cough. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consider the possibility of kennel cough:

Paroxysmal dry cough: A repetitive "honking" or "hacking" sound. It tends to worsen with excitement or after exercise.

Retching: At the end of a coughing fit, your pet may retch and expel frothy mucus.

Clear nasal discharge: Initially, the nasal discharge is clear, but as the infection progresses, it may turn into yellowish discharge or eye crust.

Lethargy: Your pet may show less interest in play and sleep more than usual.

Fever and decreased appetite: Kennel cough can cause fever, loss of appetite, and weakness. If these symptoms are pronounced or persistent, a veterinary visit is necessary.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If You Notice These Symptoms

Seek immediate veterinary care if any of the following apply: • Coughing accompanied by rapid or labored breathing • Complete loss of appetite and refusal to drink water • Severe yellow nasal discharge or eye discharge • Coughing in puppies under 6 months of age • Coughing that persists for more than two weeks or progressively worsens In these cases, the condition may have progressed from simple kennel cough to pneumonia.

How Kennel Cough Is Diagnosed

Veterinarians diagnose kennel cough by evaluating the character of the cough and any recent contact with other dogs. In many cases, a clinical diagnosis can be made based on the characteristic harsh, honking cough and the fact that coughing is triggered by gentle pressure on the trachea. To identify the specific causative agent, bacterial culture of airway secretions or viral testing may be performed. If pneumonia is suspected, chest X-rays are taken to assess the condition of the lungs. Additional tests may also be necessary to rule out other causes of coughing, such as heart disease or tracheal collapse.

A veterinarian examining a puppy at an animal hospital

Kennel Cough Treatment Options

Kennel cough treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms.

Mild — Coughing only: Most cases resolve naturally within 1 to 2 weeks. Your veterinarian may prescribe a cough suppressant to reduce coughing. Adequate rest and humidity control help support recovery.

Moderate — With bacterial infection: If fever, lethargy, or persistent or worsening symptoms are observed, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics. The duration and dosage of medication are determined by your veterinarian based on your dog’s condition.

Complications — Progression to pneumonia: Hospitalization may be necessary. Treatment may include intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy. The recommendation and effectiveness of nebulizer therapy depend on the type of medication used, so it should always be administered under veterinary prescription and guidance.

A puppy resting comfortably after treatment

Home Care Tips for Recovery

Here are some key care tips to help your dog recover from kennel cough at home.

Use a harness: A collar can put pressure on the trachea and worsen coughing, so please use a harness when walking your dog.

Maintain humidity: Dry air can irritate the airways, so use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity at a comfortable level.

Isolate from other dogs: Because kennel cough is highly contagious, keep your dog away from other dogs for a period of time even after symptoms have subsided.

Ensure plenty of rest: Strenuous exercise or excitement can trigger coughing, so provide a calm, quiet environment during recovery.

Reduce the Risk with Vaccination

Kennel cough vaccines can significantly reduce the severity of clinical symptoms even if your dog becomes infected. The core combination vaccine (DHPPL) includes protection against parainfluenza, and an additional intranasal spray vaccine is available for Bordetella. If you plan to use daycare, boarding, or training facilities, it’s essential to administer the Bordetella vaccine. Please note that vaccination does not guarantee complete prevention of infection, but it does help keep symptoms much milder.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kennel cough be transmitted to humans?

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease that spreads among dogs. Pathogens like Bordetella are transmitted from dog to dog through droplets, human hands, or shared items. While it’s not a major concern for transmission to humans in typical household settings, it’s still a good hygiene practice to wash your hands thoroughly after touching a coughing dog.

Can I take my dog for a walk if it has kennel cough?

Short, quiet walks are fine, but be sure to avoid contact with other dogs. Vigorous exercise can worsen coughing, so please stick to light walks until your pet has fully recovered.

Can my dog still get kennel cough even after receiving the vaccine?

Yes, it is possible. Because there are multiple pathogens that cause kennel cough, vaccines do not provide 100% protection against all causative agents. However, vaccinated pets tend to experience much milder symptoms and recover more quickly if they do become infected.

How long does it take for kennel cough to fully heal?

In mild cases, recovery typically occurs naturally within one to two weeks. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotics may be required, and recovery may take longer. If the condition progresses to pneumonia, the treatment period can be extended, so ongoing monitoring by a veterinarian is essential.

My dog has kennel cough, and I have another dog at home. What should I do?

Please isolate the infected puppy in a separate area and provide it with its own water bowl, toys, and bedding. It is also important to closely monitor any other puppies that have shared the same space for signs of symptoms during the incubation period.

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References

[1] Reagan KL, Sykes JE. Canine infectious respiratory disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2020;50(2):405-18.

[2] Englar R. The Veterinary Workbook of Small Animal Clinical Cases. Sheffield: 5M Publishing.

[3] Hill P, Warman S, Shawcross G. 100 Top Consultations in Small Animal General Practice. Blackwell Publishing; 2011.

[4] Hurley K. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex: Management and prevention in canine populations. DVM 360. 2010.