Kennel cough is one of the most common and contagious respiratory diseases in dogs, especially among animals that live together or come into contact with other dogs. Also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, it usually presents with a dry, persistent cough that, although it alarms many families, in most cases resolves favourably.
What kennel cough is
Kennel cough is an infection of the dog's upper respiratory tract that mainly affects the trachea and bronchi. It gets its common name because it spreads easily in places where many dogs gather, such as boarding kennels, breeding facilities, parks, shows, grooming salons or waiting rooms. It is not caused by a single agent, but is rather a respiratory syndrome in which several infectious agents may be involved at the same time.
It is generally a mild, self-limiting disease in healthy adult dogs, but it is worth taking seriously: in puppies, older animals or those with pre-existing conditions, it can become complicated and lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia.
Causes of canine infectious tracheobronchitis
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. The most common agents are:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: the bacterium most frequently involved in this condition.
- Canine parainfluenza virus: one of the viruses that most often triggers the infection.
- Canine adenovirus type 2: another viral agent commonly seen in these respiratory processes.
- Other agents: such as the distemper virus or certain mycoplasmas, which can worsen the condition.
Often, one agent first weakens the defences of the airways and makes it easier for others to join in, which explains why the disease can present with different intensity from one dog to another.
How kennel cough spreads
Kennel cough spreads very quickly. Transmission occurs mainly through the air, via the small droplets that an infected dog releases when coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by direct contact between animals and through shared objects, such as food bowls, water bowls, toys or carriers.
Enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces with many dogs together especially favour its spread. A dog may start to show symptoms a few days after infection and, in addition, may continue to shed the infectious agents for some time after recovering, so it is advisable to keep it away from other dogs while the process lasts.
Most common symptoms
The most characteristic sign is a dry, strong and repetitive cough, which many families describe as if the dog had something stuck in its throat or were trying to bring something up. It usually intensifies with exercise, excitement or when pulling on the lead. Among the most common symptoms we find:
- A dry, persistent cough, sometimes followed by retching or the expulsion of a whitish foam.
- Sneezing and a clear nasal discharge.
- Mild listlessness and, in some cases, a slight fever.
- In mild cases, the dog keeps a good appetite and general condition.
When the animal stops eating, is very apathetic, has difficulty breathing, or the cough is accompanied by thick mucus and a high fever, the condition may be more serious and requires prompt veterinary assessment.
Treatment of kennel cough
Treatment depends on the severity of each case and must be tailored individually. In dogs with a mild condition and a good general state, rest, a calm environment and good hydration are often enough, avoiding exertion and contact with other dogs while the infection lasts. The veterinarian may recommend using a harness instead of a collar so as not to irritate the trachea.
Depending on the diagnosis, the veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to relieve the cough, anti-inflammatories or, when bacterial involvement or a risk of complication is suspected, antibiotics. It is important not to medicate the dog on your own: some medicines for human use can be harmful to animals. In severe cases, with pneumonia or significant breathing difficulty, more intensive treatment may be necessary. If you notice signs of severity, do not wait and contact a 24h veterinary emergency service.
“Kennel cough is usually mild but very contagious: isolating and checking early also protects other dogs.”
How to prevent kennel cough
The main prevention tool is vaccination. There are vaccines against the most common agents of kennel cough (such as Bordetella and parainfluenza) that reduce the risk of contracting the disease and ease the symptoms if it does appear. They are especially recommended for dogs that go to boarding kennels, grooming salons, shows, group training or that socialise frequently with other dogs. You can find out which schedule is most suitable in our guide on the vaccines your dog needs.
In addition to the vaccine, other simple measures help: keeping spaces well ventilated, not sharing food bowls or toys between unfamiliar dogs, avoiding overcrowding of animals and isolating any dog that is coughing. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Somo (Cantabria), we advise you on the most suitable vaccination schedule according to your pet's lifestyle.
When to see the veterinarian
You should always consult whenever a cough appears that does not improve within a few days, that recurs frequently or that affects the animal's rest. It is a priority to go as soon as possible if the dog has difficulty breathing, stops eating, is very listless, has a high fever, or brings up dense or bloody mucus. The same applies to puppies, older dogs or those with chronic illnesses, in which it is best not to wait. If you have doubts about your pet's condition, you can get in touch with our team to assess each case.
Quick guide by symptoms
This table summarises, based on the information above, how to act when faced with different signs. It does not replace a veterinary assessment.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dry, persistent cough with a good general state | Rest, a calm environment, good hydration and avoiding contact with other dogs |
| The dog pulls on the collar and it irritates the cough | Use a harness instead of a collar so as not to irritate the trachea |
| Stops eating, very apathetic, high fever or difficulty breathing | See the veterinarian without delay; it may require more intensive treatment |
| Dog that goes to kennels, grooming salons or socialises frequently | Consider vaccination against Bordetella and parainfluenza as prevention |
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
Can kennel cough be passed on to people?
In the vast majority of cases it does not pose a risk to healthy people. Even so, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene, especially in households with small children, elderly people or those with weakened defences, and to consult any doubts with your veterinarian.
How long does kennel cough last?
In healthy dogs it usually lasts between one and two weeks, although the cough may persist somewhat longer in some cases. If after that time there is no improvement or the symptoms worsen, a veterinary check-up is recommended.
Can my dog go out if it has kennel cough?
During the infection it is best to limit walks to the essentials and to avoid contact with other dogs so as not to spread the disease. Rest and a calm environment help recovery.
Does the vaccine completely prevent kennel cough?
Vaccination significantly reduces the risk and the intensity of the symptoms, but, as with other respiratory diseases, it does not offer absolute protection. It is a very useful measure that is complemented by good hygiene and management practices.
