Kennel Cough in Dogs — Symptoms, Prevention & Home Care

From a veterinarian’s perspective

If you've ever heard a dog suddenly start coughing like they're choking on something, it can be frightening. Many pet parents rush to the clinic thinking their dog has swallowed a bone or something stuck in the throat. But more often than not, the diagnosis turns out to be Kennel Cough — one of the most common upper respiratory infections in dogs.

The good news? Kennel Cough is usually mild, treatable, and rarely dangerous when identified early. But the bad news? It spreads extremely easily. In fact, your dog can catch it even without visiting a kennel — from parks, grooming salons, pet stores, walking areas, lifts, or even through contact with a dog in your apartment building.

Let’s break down exactly what Kennel Cough is, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and the right home care routine to follow from a vet’s perspective.

1. What Exactly Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough, also called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a contagious respiratory infection involving multiple viruses and bacteria, including:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria – major cause)

• Canine Parainfluenza virus

• Canine Adenovirus

• Mycoplasma

• Respiratory coronavirus

It affects the dog’s trachea and upper airways, leading to a dry, hacking cough.

Why it’s called “Kennel” cough

The name comes from the fact that infections spread rapidly wherever dogs gather — like boarding facilities, kennels, daycares, or shelters. But today, dogs socialize everywhere: apartments, parks, lifts, grooming salons — making exposure far more common.

2. How Dogs Catch Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough spreads similarly to the human common cold — through:

1. Airborne droplets

A coughing dog releases infected particles that other dogs inhale.

2. Shared bowls / toys

Restaurants, daycare centres, pet cafés — contamination is common.

3. Contaminated surfaces

Lifts, society gardens, grooming tables, vet clinic waiting rooms.

4. Close contact

Playdates, street dogs, neighbour’s pets, grooming parlour.

Even a brief sniff or a shared sniffing spot can transmit the infection.

Important:
Dogs can get Kennel Cough even if they never leave the home — all it takes is indirect exposure.

3. Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The hallmark symptom is a loud, dry, hacking cough. Many pet parents describe it as:

• “Like he’s choking on something”

• “A honking goose-like sound”

• “Something stuck in throat”

• “Sudden coughing fits that come and go”

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent dry cough

• Gagging or retching

• Reverse sneezing

• Mild fever

• Runny eyes or nose

• Decreased appetite (sometimes)

• Low energy

• Coughing when touched at throat

Severe symptoms (less common):

• High fever

• Green/yellow nasal discharge

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing

• Loss of appetite

• Pneumonia (in severe cases, especially in puppies)

If these severe signs appear — it’s no longer simple Kennel Cough and needs immediate veterinary attention.

4. How Kennel Cough Is Diagnosed

Most cases are diagnosed clinically by:

• Listening to cough

• Throat palpation (cough may trigger)

• Checking vitals

• Examining throat and chest

Tests (only needed in complicated cases):

• Chest X-ray

• CBC (to check infection level)

• PCR respiratory panel (rarely required)

For most dogs, the diagnosis is straightforward.

5. Treatment — What Vets Commonly Recommend

Kennel Cough is usually self-limiting — meaning it resolves on its own in 10–14 days. But treatment helps speed up recovery and prevents complications.

1. Cough Suppressants

Helps reduce frequency of coughing fits — especially useful at night.

2. Anti-inflammatory Medication

Reduces throat irritation and pain.

3. Antibiotics (only if bacterial involvement is suspected)

Not every case needs antibiotics.
But dogs with:

• fever

• thick nasal discharge

• low energy

• persistent cough

may require them.

4. Nebulization (Home Nebulizer)

Helps clear mucus and soothes airway inflammation.

Most dogs recover quickly with proper care.

6. Home Care Routine — What You Should Do

1. Isolate your dog from other pets

Kennel Cough is contagious for 7–10 days. Avoid dog parks, playdates, and grooming appointments.

2. Use a humidifier or steamy bathroom

Moist air helps soothe the throat.
Sit with your dog in a bathroom with hot water running for 5–10 minutes.

3. Remove collar while indoors

Pressure on throat worsens coughing.
Use a harness during walks.

4. Provide warm, soft food

It’s easier to swallow for dogs with throat irritation.

5. Avoid AC if possible

Cold, dry air can increase coughing frequency.

6. Keep water available at all times

Hydration soothes the throat and speeds recovery.

7. Don’t give over-the-counter human cough syrups

Many are dangerous for pets unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian.

7. How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

• Mild cases: 7–10 days

• Moderate cases: 10–14 days

• Severe cases: 2–3 weeks

• With pneumonia: 4–6 weeks (needs intensive care)

If coughing does not improve within 7 days — you must revisit your veterinarian.

8. Can Humans or Other Pets Catch Kennel Cough?

Humans

In extremely rare situations, immunocompromised humans can contract Bordetella — but this is very uncommon.

Cats

Cats can catch Bordetella, but rarely. Distinct viral strains behave differently.

Other Dogs

Highly contagious. This is why isolation is important.

9. Prevention — The Most Important Part

Kennel Cough is preventable through:

1. Kennel Cough Vaccine (Bordetella + Parainfluenza)

Given as:

• Nasal spray

• Oral vaccine

• Injection

Puppies can receive it as early as 8–10 weeks.

How long it protects

Around 12 months, but in high-exposure dogs (parks, boarding) boosters may be needed every 6 months.

You can easily book this vaccine through:
https://petovac.com/service/at-home-vaccination/canine-kennel-cough-vaccination

2. Avoiding high-risk areas for young puppies

Do not take your puppy to groomers, parks, or pet cafés before vaccinations are completed.

3. Maintaining hygiene

Regularly clean bowls, toys, and bedding.

4. Choosing boarding/grooming centres wisely

Ask if:

• They require vaccination proof

• They disinfect facilities daily

• They separate coughing dogs immediately

10. When You Should Worry

Reach your vet if:

• Cough worsens after 5–7 days

• Dog is refusing food

• Breathing becomes heavy

• There is green/yellow nasal discharge

• Fever persists

• A puppy below 4 months develops severe cough

• A vaccinated dog has continuous, unrelenting coughing fits

These could indicate pneumonia — which requires immediate treatment.

11. Final Thoughts — Kennel Cough Is Common, But Manageable

Kennel Cough can be scary if you’re hearing those loud, sudden coughing spells for the first time. But with proper care, timely medication, and vaccination, your dog will recover smoothly.

The key is early identification, preventing exposure in unvaccinated puppies, and ensuring regular vaccination boosters.

A little caution today can save your pet weeks of discomfort — and protect other dogs in your building or neighbourhood.