Kennel cough in dogs: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Kennel cough (aka canine infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC)) is a contagious respiratory disease. Dogs can contract kennel cough anywhere large groups of dogs congregate, like boarding facilities, dog parks, or animal shelters.

👉 CIRDC is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, including the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and the Parafluenza virus. 

Here’s what you need to know about symptoms, causes, and treatments for kennel cough.

Kennel cough spreads in one of three ways:

• Airborne droplets. Kennel cough can spread in the air. Droplets can travel several feet or further, which is what makes it so contagious. Dogs can also spread it before any symptoms are shown.
• Skin contact. This one seems obvious. Dogs in direct contact with one another can spread kennel cough. If you have more than one dog living under the same roof, they may all have it.
• Contaminated surfaces. Bordetella bacteria can live on surfaces for several days. This includes water bowls and toys, which is why social areas are at higher risk.

The most obvious sign is a honking or hacking cough. The cough will be persistent and may get worse throughout a couple of days.

Other warning signs include cold-like symptoms. Look for symptoms like:

• Nasal discharge
• Sneezing and reverse sneezing
• Eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Low-grade fever

Notice anything familiar? Symptoms of kennel cough may appear like symptoms of canine influenza. If it progresses, it can result in secondary pneumonia, so it’s important to pay attention to symptoms, note how long they last, and go to the vet if it doesn’t clear up after a few days.

👉 Not sure what to look for? The cough will sound something like this: 

If your dog is exposed to another sick dog, pay attention. The incubation period is the time between exposure and the first sign of symptoms. For kennel cough, the incubation period of the illness can be anywhere between 2-14 days.

How long does kennel cough last?

Most cases resolve between 1 and 3 weeks. Coughing, however, can last for multiple months if it is a more severe case, mixed with something like the influenza virus, or in dogs with pre-existing medical conditions.

Respiratory infections need time to run their course. Eventually, your dog’s cough will subside, but sometimes the hack will linger around longer. In severe cases, secondary infections may develop.

👉 If Bordetella is the main culprit, kennel cough usually lasts around 10 days.

How long is kennel cough contagious?

Dogs are at their most contagious after they have stopped displaying symptoms. This period of contagion extends until after symptoms resolve. Because of this, it’s best to avoid boarding facilities, daycares, dog shows, or dog parks — anywhere your dog may hang around with other dogs during this period.

It takes dogs 14 days to shed the kennel cough virus, so keep your dog isolated for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms to ensure that it doesn’t spread to other dogs in the home or community. Just because the cough may be gone, it doesn’t mean the dog is no longer contagious.

Depending on the severity of the condition, vets typically won’t prescribe anything for the infected dog and will let the dog’s immune system fight off the illness, giving you advice to help them do that naturally (like a steamy shower to clear congestion).

They might also choose to do a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia and inflammation in the lungs or, in some cases, collect a swab from the nose or throat to determine the specific pathogen involved.

If they do prescribe something, it will be an antibiotic like doxycycline, or a cough suppressant if the cough hasn’t cleared up after several days. In severe cases, nebulizers and vaporizers can be prescribed to stave off a secondary infection.

Follow these steps to avoid infection:

Avoid communal areas — The best way to prevent kennel cough is to stay away from infected pups and avoid areas where it tends to be. This can include dog parks, groomers, boarding, or daycare.

Use air purifiers — Purifying the air indoors not only removes dust and smoke, but it also removes any organisms that have been carried in on clothing, toys, or fur.

Destress — Stress can be tough on the immune system, so helping them stay healthy with some TLC and strengthening the bond with your dog can help. You can also reduce their anxiety too.

Vaccines — Last but certainly not least, consider getting your dog vaccinated. The best protection you can give them is to give their immune system extra help fighting off common illnesses that can endanger your pup. It can also lower the severity of infection and the risk of pneumonia.

Kennel cough can be a scary diagnosis for any pet parent. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to minimize risk and lower your pet’s exposure. Knowing the signs of kennel cough can boost your pet’s quality of life, connecting them with the care they need sooner. Vaccines, stress relief routines, and avoiding communal areas are some of the top strategies you can use to avoid infection.