Kennel cough is a very contagious airway infection that causes a dry, hacking cough in dogs. The PDSA explains that several different viruses and bacteria can cause it, rather like a cold in people, and that it spreads most easily wherever lots of dogs mix. Plenty of dogs get over it without medication, but it is always worth ringing your vet for advice.
At a glance
- What it is: an infection of the airways caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria
- Who it affects: any dog, though it is most common where dogs gather, such as kennels, shows and day care. Puppies are at higher risk
- Urgency: soon. Ring your vet if you suspect it, and sooner if your dog seems unwell as well as coughing
- Vet needed? Yes, at least a phone call. Many dogs recover at home without medication, but your vet decides
Signs to look for
A cough is the most common sign. The PDSA says it usually starts 3 to 14 days after contact with an infected dog and lasts one to three weeks. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) gives a slightly wider incubation of two to 14 days, and says most dogs recover within about three weeks, although the cough can last up to six. The Kennel Club describes a persistent hacking cough that can sound like something stuck in the throat, or like a goose’s honk. The RVC adds that gagging, a runny nose or sneezing can come with it.
Most dogs stay fairly well in themselves. Puppies, older dogs and dogs that are already unwell can also go off their food, seem tired or run a temperature, according to the PDSA. The RVC and the Kennel Club both warn that it can progress to pneumonia (a lung infection), mainly in puppies, older dogs and dogs with other health problems, and the RVC lists reduced appetite, lethargy and extra effort to breathe as warning signs. That is why a vet check matters.
Causes and risk factors
There is no single culprit. The Blue Cross lists a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica as the most common cause, alongside canine adenovirus type two, canine parainfluenza virus, canine influenza and distemper (we cover that on our distemper page). The Blue Cross says crowded places, dust, cigarette smoke, cold and poor ventilation can make dogs more vulnerable, and the RVC says stress or poor health raise the risk of complications.
The PDSA says the germs pass from dog to dog by direct contact, through the air, and on surfaces such as food bowls and leads, and they can survive in the environment for several weeks.
When to call your vet
The PDSA advises calling your vet if you suspect kennel cough, and getting your dog checked if the cough is severe or has lasted more than a few days, because many conditions cause coughing. Our guide to why dogs cough shows how wide that list is. Speak to your vet sooner if your dog is also off their food, very tired or has a temperature. Our sick dog symptoms guide may help you describe what you have noticed.
The PDSA advises telling the practice about the cough and waiting outside until you are called, so other dogs in the waiting room are not exposed. You can find a practice through our vets database. The sources we read do not list specific emergency signs for kennel cough, so if your dog seems very unwell, speak to your vet straight away.
- 1. Notice
A dry, hacking cough, sometimes with gagging or a runny nose - 2. Speak to your vet
Call your vet if you suspect it, and sooner if your dog seems unwell - 3. Vet examines
Usually based on symptoms and contact with other dogs; swabs or X-rays if needed - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: rest at home, anti-inflammatories - 5. Ongoing care
Rest, keep warm, and keep away from other dogs while coughing
How vets diagnose it
The Blue Cross and the RVC both say there is no single test for kennel cough, so a vet will usually go on the symptoms and recent contact with other dogs. Swabs can identify the germ involved, although that does not always change the treatment, and X-rays may be used if complications such as pneumonia are suspected.
What vets generally do about it
The PDSA says most dogs recover at home within one to three weeks without medication. For more severe cases a vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories to calm the airways and bring down a temperature. The PDSA says antibiotics are very rarely prescribed for kennel cough, so ask your vet whether your dog needs them. The RVC adds that supportive care such as good ventilation, and a harness rather than a collar on walks, can help, and that vets may also prescribe cough suppressants. Treatment is always your vet’s decision.
Living with it and prevention
Once your vet has advised, the PDSA suggests resting your dog, keeping them warm and limiting exercise, since exercise can make the cough worse. A steamy room helps some dogs, but never leave a dog alone in one or make them stay.
Your dog stays very contagious while coughing. The PDSA recommends keeping them away from other dogs and public spaces during that time and for two to three weeks afterwards.
Vaccination is the PDSA’s best prevention, especially for dogs that mix with many others or go into kennels. The vaccine lasts around 12 months, is repeated yearly, and does not give a 100% guarantee, but it lowers the chance of infection and the severity if your dog does catch it. The PDSA says reputable kennels and doggy day care centres usually ask for it two to three weeks before a stay, so speak to your vet about timing.
Related conditions
- Distemper in dogs
- Lungworm in dogs
- Heart disease in dogs
- Tracheal collapse in dogs
- Back to the dog illnesses A-Z
Sources
- PDSA, Kennel cough
- Blue Cross, Kennel cough symptoms and treatment
- Royal Veterinary College, Factsheet for dog owners about kennel cough
- The Kennel Club, Kennel cough in dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does kennel cough last?
The PDSA says symptoms usually last one to three weeks, and the Royal Veterinary College says most dogs recover within about three weeks, although the cough can last up to six. If the cough drags on or your dog seems unwell, speak to your vet.
Is kennel cough contagious to other dogs?
Yes. It spreads through direct contact, through the air and on shared bowls and leads. The PDSA advises keeping a coughing dog away from other dogs and public spaces, and for two to three weeks after the symptoms ease. Speak to your vet about when your dog is safe to mix again.
Can people catch kennel cough from dogs?
The PDSA describes this as extremely rare, and says anyone worried about their own symptoms should contact their doctor or NHS services.
Does the kennel cough vaccine guarantee protection?
No. The PDSA says it is not 100% effective, but it lowers the chance of infection and reduces symptoms if a vaccinated dog does catch it. It is repeated yearly, so speak to your vet about your dog’s schedule.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
