Kennel Cough: What Dog Parents Should Know Before Summer Travel
As summer approaches and boarding facilities begin to fill up, it’s important for dog owners to be aware of kennel cough, a common and highly contagious illness that spreads easily in places where dogs gather. While most cases are mild, some can escalate, especially in puppies, senior pets, or dogs with underlying health issues. At our clinic, we often see an increase in respiratory cases this time of year, and we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, clinically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a respiratory infection that affects the upper airways. It’s typically caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even close nose-to-nose interaction with another dog.
Dogs are most likely to be exposed in settings such as boarding kennels, grooming salons, daycare centers, and dog parks. Because it’s so easily transmitted, kennel cough is often referred to as the “common cold” of the dog world.
Symptoms to Look Out For
If your dog has recently been around other dogs and isn’t feeling their best, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Eye or nasal discharge (often yellow or green)
- Vomiting that typically follows a coughing fit
- Decreased energy or general tiredness (lethargy)
- Reduced appetite or interest in food
- Coughing, sneezing, or gagging that persists
Any time your dog shows extreme lethargy, trouble breathing, or stops eating or drinking entirely, it’s time to seek immediate veterinary attention – these may be signs of a more serious complication.
Diagnosing Kennel Cough at the Clinic
When you bring your dog in for an exam, we’ll begin with a physical examination, including listening to their lungs and upper airways (auscultation). We’ll also review their recent exposure to other dogs, boarding, grooming visits, or park outings help us determine potential sources of infection.
If we suspect complications or a more serious cause for your dog’s symptoms, we may recommend additional diagnostics:
- Chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia
- Bloodwork to evaluate the immune response and check for other infections
- PCR testing using nasal or throat swabs (particularly helpful in persistent or unresponsive cases)
Since PCR results can take a few days, we often begin treatment based on your dog’s clinical signs and medical history. Starting treatment early is important for a fast recovery.
Treatment Options for Kennel Cough
For mild or moderate kennel cough, the treatment plan often includes rest, isolation, cough suppressants, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications to reduce throat irritation. When bacterial infection is suspected, we typically prescribe one of the following antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Clavamox)
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
Some dogs don’t tolerate oral medications well, in those cases, a long-acting injectable antibiotic like Convenia may be used. Most dogs recover within 10 to 14 days, and treatment continues for several days after symptoms resolve.
If your dog is not showing improvement or their condition worsens, a medical progress exam and follow-up testing may be needed to guide further treatment.
In severe cases, especially with young puppies, older dogs, or immunocompromised pets, hospitalization may be necessary. This could involve oxygen therapy, IV or subcutaneous fluids, nebulization, bronchodilators, and IV antibiotics to treat pneumonia or other complications.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes, at least in part. The Bordetella vaccine helps protect your dog against the most common cause of kennel cough. While it doesn’t cover all potential pathogens, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and usually makes symptoms much milder if your dog does catch it.
Some clinics and boarding facilities recommend giving the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months, especially for dogs who are regularly around other pets. Puppies from pet stores are at particularly high risk due to the stress and exposure involved in their early care and transport.
Is Kennel Cough Dangerous?
In most healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is not life-threatening and resolves with basic care. But in more vulnerable dogs, the infection can lead to serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, low blood sugar, or chronic bronchitis. In some cases, the inflammation caused by the infection may linger, leading to a prolonged cough that requires continued treatment to manage.
If your dog isn’t bouncing back after initial treatment, follow up with your veterinarian – we’re here to help.
Other Conditions That Can Cause Coughing
Because coughing can indicate a variety of illnesses, your veterinarian will consider other causes – especially if your dog doesn’t respond as expected. These may include:
- Distemper, valley fever, or pneumonia
- Canine influenza, adenovirus, or parainfluenza
- Heartworm disease or heart failure
- Collapsing trachea or aspirated foreign material
- Megaesophagus and related aspiration
- Environmental irritants like cigarette smoke or allergens
Keeping your dog up to date on the DAPPV vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) offers protection against several of these diseases.
Can People or Other Pets Catch It?
No, kennel cough isn’t zoonotic, so it cannot be spread to humans. It is, however, very contagious between dogs, so if your dog is diagnosed, they should be kept separated from other pets until fully recovered.
If you have other dogs at home, monitor them for symptoms. Cats and exotic pets are not affected by kennel cough, so they are not at risk.
Final Thoughts from Our Team
Whether you’re heading out of town or just visiting the dog park more often this summer, take a moment to make sure your pet’s Bordetella vaccine is current. Preventive care goes a long way in avoiding unnecessary illness (and stress!) for both you and your dog.
If your pup begins coughing, acting tired, or just seems “off,” don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help, answer questions, and guide you through treatment every step of the way.
Dr. Shayla Fleming, DVM
Dr. Shayla Fleming is from Phoenix, Arizona and has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a kid. She grew up with dogs, birds, reptiles, and fish! She graduated from Aurora University in Illinois with dual bachelor degrees in Biology and health science. She moved back to Arizona to attend Midwestern University for Veterinary School and enjoys being in the sun again. She has a dog named Jack, a bird named Flynn, and a tortoise named Ralph. In her free time she enjoys hiking, going to the lake, and reading.
