A Pet Owner’s Complete Guide
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, known medically as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs and, less commonly, cats. The condition gets its common name from the fact that it spreads quickly among animals housed in close quarters, such as boarding kennels, shelters, dog parks, and grooming facilities. Despite the name, any dog can catch kennel cough regardless of whether it has ever stayed in a kennel.
The illness results in inflammation of the trachea (the windpipe) and the bronchi (the airways leading into the lungs). While it is rarely life threatening in healthy adult animals, it can be more serious in puppies, elderly pets, or those with weakened immune systems.
Kennel cough is one of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs — but with the right knowledge, it is very manageable.
What Causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of viral and bacterial agents working together to infect the respiratory tract. The most frequently identified culprits include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica — the bacterium most commonly associated with kennel cough and the target of the Bordetella vaccine.
- Canine parainfluenza virus — a very common viral contributor that makes the respiratory lining more vulnerable to secondary infection.
- Canine adenovirus type 2 — another viral agent that can play a role in the development of the illness.
- Mycoplasma — a type of bacteria that may contribute in some cases, particularly in cats.
In many cases, more than one of these agents is present at the same time, which can make the illness more severe or prolonged than a single infection would be on its own.
How Does Kennel Cough Spread?
Kennel cough is extremely contagious and spreads through several routes:
- Airborne droplets released when an infected animal coughs, sneezes, or barks.
- Direct contact with an infected animal through nose touching, licking, or playing.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces such as shared water bowls, toys, fencing, or bedding.
Because the disease spreads so easily through the air and via surfaces, environments where many animals gather are the most common sites of transmission. A pet does not need prolonged contact with a sick animal to become infected — a brief encounter at a dog park or a sniff through a fence can be enough.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most recognizable sign of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough that often sounds like a honking goose or a dog with something stuck in its throat. Pet owners sometimes mistake this for choking. Other symptoms may include:
- A strong, dry or hacking cough that may bring up white foamy phlegm.
- Sneezing and a runny nose.
- Eye discharge.
- Lethargy or reduced energy levels.
- Loss of appetite in more severe cases.
- Low grade fever (though many pets do not run a fever at all).
Most pets with kennel cough remain alert and continue eating and drinking normally. However, if your pet develops a deep, wet cough, has labored breathing, stops eating, or seems very unwell, contact your veterinarian promptly as these can be signs of pneumonia or a more serious secondary infection.
If your pet’s cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue tinged gums, or complete loss of appetite, seek veterinary care immediately.
How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?
In most cases, a veterinarian will diagnose kennel cough based on the history and clinical signs alone. The characteristic cough, combined with a known recent exposure to other animals, is usually enough to make a working diagnosis.
In more complex or severe cases, the vet may recommend additional tests such as a throat swab for culture and sensitivity, chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia, or blood work to assess the overall health of the animal. These tests are not always necessary for straightforward cases, but they can be very helpful when the illness is not improving as expected.
Treatment Options
Treatment for kennel cough depends on how severe the illness is and whether secondary infections are present.
- Mild cases: Many otherwise healthy dogs recover on their own within one to three weeks with rest, good nutrition, and plenty of fresh water. Keeping the animal warm and away from irritants like cigarette smoke can ease the cough.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection such as Bordetella is confirmed or strongly suspected, a veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics. These do not treat the viral component but can prevent bacterial complications.
- Cough suppressants: In some cases, the vet may prescribe a cough suppressant to give your pet relief, particularly if the coughing is severe enough to disrupt sleep or eating.
- Nebulization or steam therapy: Some vets recommend gentle steam exposure (such as sitting with your pet in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes) to help loosen mucus and soothe the airways.
Never give your pet over the counter human cough medications without consulting a veterinarian first. Many human medicines, including those containing xylitol or certain antihistamines, are toxic to dogs and cats.
Preventing Kennel Cough
The good news is that kennel cough is largely preventable through a combination of vaccination and sensible hygiene practices.
Vaccination
The Bordetella vaccine is the most widely used preventive measure against kennel cough. It is available in three forms: injectable, intranasal (squirted into the nose), and oral. Many kennels, doggy daycares, and groomers require proof of a current Bordetella vaccine before they will accept your pet. Talk to your veterinarian about whether this vaccine is appropriate for your pet and how often it should be given.
While the Bordetella vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection, it does not guarantee complete protection because kennel cough can also be caused by other organisms not covered by the vaccine. Think of it like the flu shot for humans: it greatly lowers the risk but cannot prevent every strain.
Good Hygiene and Management
- Avoid taking your pet to crowded dog facilities when there are known outbreaks in your community.
- Disinfect shared items such as water bowls, leashes, and toys regularly.
- Keep sick pets at home and away from other animals until they have fully recovered.
- Inform your groomer or kennel if your pet has recently been unwell.
Kennel Cough in Cats
While kennel cough is most commonly associated with dogs, cats can also develop similar respiratory illness caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is more likely to occur in cats that live in multi cat households, shelters, or catteries. Symptoms in cats are similar to those in dogs and may include sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing.
Cats are generally less susceptible than dogs, but very young kittens, elderly cats, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness. A veterinarian can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for cats in higher risk situations.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
While many cases of kennel cough resolve without treatment, there are certain situations where you should contact your vet without delay:
- The cough has lasted more than two weeks without improvement.
- Your pet is a puppy under six months old, a senior animal, or has a known health condition such as heart disease or a compromised immune system.
- Symptoms are getting worse rather than better.
- Your pet stops eating or drinking for more than 24 hours.
- You notice labored or rapid breathing, bluish gums, or extreme lethargy.
- Your pet is pregnant.
Early veterinary attention in these cases can prevent a straightforward respiratory illness from developing into a more serious condition such as pneumonia.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet’s health needs.
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