Kennel Cough in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is characterized by a harsh, dry cough that sounds like a honking goose. While typically not serious in healthy adult dogs, kennel cough can become severe in puppies, senior dogs, or those with compromised immune systems.

Understanding Kennel Cough

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is not caused by a single pathogen but rather is a syndrome resulting from infection by various bacteria and viruses, often occurring together. The infection inflames the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (airways in the lungs), leading to the characteristic cough.

Primary Causative Agents:

Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bacteria):

• Most common bacterial cause
• Highly contagious between dogs
• Can survive in environment for extended periods
• Similar to pertussis (whooping cough) in humans
• Often works synergistically with viruses

Canine Parainfluenza Virus:

• One of most common viral causes
• Part of core vaccines in many countries
• Causes mild respiratory symptoms alone
• More severe when combined with other pathogens

Other Contributing Pathogens:

• Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2)
• Canine distemper virus
• Canine herpesvirus
• Canine reovirus
• Mycoplasma species
• Canine respiratory coronavirus

How Dogs Contract Kennel Cough

Transmission Methods:

Aerosol Transmission:

• Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Shared air space in confined areas
• Most efficient transmission method
• Can spread several feet from infected dog

Direct Contact:

• Nose-to-nose greetings between dogs
• Sharing contaminated water or food bowls
• Contact with contaminated toys or equipment
• Licking or grooming infected dogs

Environmental Contamination:

• Pathogens can survive on surfaces for hours to days
• Contaminated kennels, crates, or bedding
• Grooming tools and equipment
• Clothing or hands of handlers

High-Risk Environments:

• Boarding kennels (hence the name)
• Dog daycare facilities
• Grooming salons
• Dog parks and off-leash areas
• Pet stores
• Dog shows and competitions
• Animal shelters
• Veterinary waiting rooms
• Training classes

Incubation Period:

• Typically 3-10 days after exposure
• Dogs become contagious before showing symptoms
• Can remain contagious for several weeks

Recognizing Kennel Cough Symptoms

Primary Symptom: The Characteristic Cough

Description:

• Strong, forceful, hacking cough
• Often described as "honking like a goose"
• Dry, non-productive initially
• May produce white foamy phlegm
• Sounds like something stuck in throat

Triggering Factors:

• Excitement or exercise
• Pulling on collar or leash pressure on trachea
• Drinking water
• Eating
• Temperature changes
• May worsen at night

Additional Symptoms

Mild Cases:

• Persistent coughing (only symptom in many cases)
• Normal energy levels
• Good appetite
• No fever
• Otherwise acting normally

Moderate Cases:

• Frequent coughing episodes
• Retching or gagging after coughing
• Slight nasal discharge (clear)
• Mild eye discharge
• Reduced activity level
• Slightly decreased appetite

Severe Cases:

• Productive cough with mucus
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever (over 103°F/39.4°C)
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Blue-tinged gums (oxygen deprivation)
• Development of pneumonia

Puppies and Immunocompromised Dogs:

• More severe symptoms
• Rapid progression
• Higher risk of complications
• Life-threatening potential

Diagnosis

Veterinary Examination

Clinical History: Your veterinarian will ask about:

• Recent exposure to other dogs
• Boarding, grooming, or dog park visits
• Vaccination history
• Duration and nature of symptoms
• Overall health status

Physical Examination:

• Temperature measurement
• Heart and lung auscultation
• Tracheal palpation (often triggers cough)
• Assessment of respiratory effort
• Nasal and throat examination
• Lymph node evaluation

Diagnostic Testing

For Uncomplicated Cases:

• Often diagnosed clinically based on history and symptoms
• No specific tests required for typical cases

For Severe or Complicated Cases:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to assess infection
• Chest radiographs (X-rays) to rule out pneumonia
• Tracheal wash or swab for culture and sensitivity
• PCR testing to identify specific pathogens
• Bronchoscopy in complicated cases

Treatment Options

Uncomplicated Cases

Supportive Care: Most cases resolve with minimal intervention within 1-3 weeks:

Home Management:

• Rest and reduced activity (critical for recovery)
• Avoid excitement that triggers coughing
• Use harness instead of collar to reduce tracheal irritation
• Maintain good hydration
• Humidifier or steam from shower may help
• Avoid irritants (smoke, strong cleaners, perfumes)

Isolation:

• Keep away from other dogs for 2-3 weeks
• Prevent spread in multi-dog households if possible
• Skip dog parks, daycare, and group activities
• Inform groomers and veterinarians before visits

Cough Suppressants:

• May be prescribed for severe, persistent coughing
• Hydrocodone or butorphanol commonly used
• Use only as directed by veterinarian
• Should not suppress productive cough (with mucus)
• Helps dog rest and sleep better

Complicated or Severe Cases

Antibiotics:

• Not always necessary for viral kennel cough
• Prescribed if bacterial infection suspected or confirmed
• Common choices: doxycycline, azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate
• Typically given for 7-14 days
• Prevents secondary bacterial infections

Bronchodilators:

• Help open airways for easier breathing
• Useful for dogs with significant respiratory distress
• May be given orally or via nebulization

Anti-inflammatory Medications:

• Reduce airway inflammation
• Steroids occasionally used in severe cases
• Must be used cautiously to avoid immune suppression

Hospitalization: Required for severe cases with:

• Pneumonia development
• Significant breathing difficulty
• Inability to eat or drink
• Severe dehydration
• Puppies or elderly dogs with complications

Hospital Care Includes:

• Intravenous fluids
• Oxygen supplementation
• Injectable medications
• Nebulization treatments
• Intensive monitoring
• Nutritional support

Prevention Strategies

Vaccination

Bordetella Vaccine:

Types Available:

Intranasal/Oral:

• Administered into nostrils or mouth
• Provides rapid protection (3-4 days)
• Stimulates local immunity in respiratory tract
• Most effective for preventing infection
• Annual booster typically recommended
• Can cause mild sneezing or cough for few days

Injectable:

• Given under skin like standard vaccines
• Takes 2-3 weeks for full immunity
• Initial series of two doses, then annual boosters
• Slightly less effective than intranasal
• Preferred for aggressive or nervous dogs

Combination Vaccines:

• Often includes parainfluenza protection
• Part of DHPP or DA2PP combination vaccines
• Core vaccination for most dogs

Vaccination Recommendations:

High-Risk Dogs:

• Board regularly: vaccine 2 weeks before boarding
• Attend daycare: keep current on boosters
• Frequent dog park visitors: annual minimum
• Dog shows/competitions: as required by events
• Grooming salon users: maintain current vaccines

Lower-Risk Dogs:

• Limited dog contact: discuss with veterinarian
• Individual risk assessment
• May still recommend for comprehensive protection

Important Vaccination Facts:

• Vaccines reduce severity but don't guarantee prevention
• Many kennel cough strains exist
• Protection is not 100% even with vaccination
• Vaccinated dogs can still get mild illness
• Vaccination significantly reduces complications

Additional Preventive Measures

Minimize High-Risk Exposures:

• Choose quality boarding facilities with health requirements
• Ensure daycare requires vaccinations and health checks
• Avoid overcrowded dog parks during outbreaks
• Limit contact with sick or unvaccinated dogs

Maintain Overall Health:

• Proper nutrition for strong immune system
• Regular veterinary wellness exams
• Parasite prevention
• Stress management
• Adequate exercise and mental stimulation

Environmental Management:

• Disinfect shared equipment regularly
• Use separate food and water bowls
• Clean and disinfect after sick dogs
• Ensure good ventilation in kennels or multi-dog homes
• Quarantine sick dogs immediately

Prognosis and Recovery

Expected Timeline

Mild Cases:

• Symptoms last 1-3 weeks
• Cough gradually decreases in frequency and severity
• Full recovery expected
• No lasting effects

Moderate to Severe Cases:

• Recovery may take 3-6 weeks
• Gradual improvement with treatment
• Possible chronic cough in some cases
• Most dogs recover fully

Complications:

• Chronic bronchitis possible in some dogs
• Permanent airway damage rare but possible
• Increased susceptibility to future respiratory infections

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Immediate Emergency (24/7 Care):

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Blue or pale gums
• Collapse or extreme weakness
• Refusal to eat or drink for 24+ hours
• High fever (over 104°F/40°C)
• Coughing up blood

Schedule Prompt Appointment:

• Cough lasting more than a week without improvement
• Development of thick, colored nasal discharge
• Increased lethargy or depression
• Decreased appetite
• Any concerns about puppy or senior dog
• Worsening symptoms despite home care

Copenhagen-Specific Considerations

Kennel Cough in Danish Climate

Seasonal Patterns:

• More common in fall and winter months
• Indoor boarding and activities increase transmission
• Cold weather may exacerbate respiratory symptoms
• Holiday boarding peaks increase exposure risk

Local Veterinary Care:

• High-quality veterinary services available throughout Copenhagen
• After-hours emergency clinics for urgent cases
• Advanced diagnostic capabilities
• Comprehensive treatment options

Boarding and Daycare:

• Most reputable Copenhagen facilities require Bordetella vaccination
• Check vaccination requirements before booking
• Inspect facility cleanliness and ventilation
• Ask about illness protocols and isolation procedures

Living with Kennel Cough

Caring for Affected Dogs

Making Your Dog Comfortable:

• Provide quiet, stress-free environment
• Keep dog warm but well-ventilated
• Elevate food and water bowls to reduce coughing while eating
• Use gentle, well-fitting harness for bathroom breaks
• Consider dog clothing for outdoor trips in cold weather

Multi-Dog Households:

• Isolate sick dog if possible
• Disinfect shared spaces regularly
• Monitor other dogs closely for symptoms
• Understand that transmission likely already occurred
• Consider vaccinating or boosting unaffected dogs

Monitoring Recovery:

• Track cough frequency and severity
• Monitor appetite and water intake
• Watch energy levels
• Note any changes in breathing pattern
• Keep temperature log if fever present

Conclusion

Kennel cough, while typically not life-threatening in healthy adult dogs, is an uncomfortable and highly contagious condition that warrants appropriate management. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and seeking veterinary care when necessary ensures the best outcome for affected dogs. Prevention through vaccination is highly effective for high-risk dogs, and good hygiene practices help minimize spread.

If your dog spends time around other dogs—whether at boarding facilities, daycare, dog parks, or grooming salons—Bordetella vaccination is strongly recommended. Even with vaccination, some dogs may develop mild symptoms, but severity is significantly reduced.

Recovery from uncomplicated kennel cough typically occurs within a few weeks with appropriate supportive care and isolation from other dogs. Most dogs return to full health without lasting effects.

Is your dog coughing? Contact MyPeterinarian in Copenhagen for expert evaluation and care. Our experienced veterinary team can diagnose kennel cough, provide effective treatment, and advise on vaccination to protect your dog. Don't let kennel cough keep your dog down—we're here to help 24/7!