Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a characteristic harsh, hacking cough in dogs.

Contact your veterinary practice for advice if your dog develops a cough. Tell them about the coughing before attending so that they can prevent the infection spreading to dogs in the waiting room.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is caused by several different viruses and bacteria rather than one single infection.

Organisms commonly associated with kennel cough include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus and other respiratory viruses.

The infection can occur anywhere dogs meet. It is particularly easy to spread at kennels, dog shows, training classes, veterinary practices, doggy day care and other places where several dogs are gathered together.

How does it spread?

Kennel cough can spread through:

airborne droplets released by coughing and sneezing;
direct nose-to-nose contact between dogs;
shared water bowls, toys, leads and other equipment; and
contaminated hands, clothing and surfaces.

Symptoms commonly develop between three and fourteen days after exposure. A dog may therefore spread the infection before its owner realises that anything is wrong.

Symptoms

The most common signs include:

a forceful, dry or hacking cough;
gagging or retching after coughing;
bringing up a small amount of white froth or mucus;
sneezing or a runny nose;
watery eyes; and
coughing when excited, exercising or pulling on the lead.

Many dogs remain bright, active and interested in food despite their cough. Symptoms usually improve within one to three weeks, although a cough can sometimes continue for longer.

Seek prompt veterinary advice if your dog has difficulty breathing, seems unusually tired, stops eating, develops a high temperature, has a thick or coloured discharge, or appears generally unwell. Puppies, elderly dogs and dogs with existing health problems have a greater risk of complications such as pneumonia.

Caring for your dog at home

Allow your dog to rest and avoid strenuous exercise while they are recovering.
Keep your dog warm, comfortable and away from cigarette smoke, aerosols, dust and other airway irritants.
Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat and windpipe.
Make sure fresh drinking water is always available.
A calm, steamy bathroom may soothe some dogs. Never leave your dog unattended or force them to remain if they are uncomfortable.

Medication

Most otherwise healthy dogs recover without medication. Depending on the dog’s symptoms and general health, a vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medicine, a veterinary cough suppressant or other supportive treatment.

Antibiotics do not treat viruses and are not routinely required for uncomplicated kennel cough. A vet may prescribe them if a bacterial infection or pneumonia is suspected, or if the dog is particularly vulnerable.

Do not give human cough medicines, painkillers, antibiotics or herbal remedies unless your vet has specifically advised you to do so. Some human medicines contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, and the correct treatment depends upon the cause of the cough.

Preventing infection from spreading

Keep an affected dog away from other dogs, public spaces, shows, training classes and communal walking areas while symptoms are present and for two to three weeks after the coughing has stopped.

Do not share bowls, toys, bedding or grooming equipment.
Wash your hands after handling an affected dog.
Wash bedding and clean food and water bowls regularly.
Tell anyone who has recently been in contact with your dog so that they can watch their own dogs for symptoms.

Vaccination

A kennel cough vaccination is available and is particularly recommended for dogs that mix regularly with other dogs or attend kennels, doggy day care, training classes, shows or other events.

The vaccine does not protect against every possible cause of kennel cough, but it can reduce the likelihood and severity of infection. Protection usually needs to be renewed annually while the dog remains at risk.

Can people catch kennel cough?

Transmission to people is extremely rare. Anyone who is immunocompromised or concerned about their own health after contact with an infected dog should seek advice from their doctor.

Further information

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Coughing can have several causes, including heart and lung disease, airway problems and foreign objects, so contact your vet if you are concerned.