Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough, also called canine infectious respiratory disease complex or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily anywhere dogs gather. Many dogs improve with rest and supportive care, but puppies, seniors, and dogs that develop pneumonia may need prompt veterinary treatment.

Talk to a vet

Urgent

Usually mild, but some dogs need veterinary care quickly

Kennel cough is often self-limiting, but call your vet promptly if your dog has trouble breathing, fever, marked lethargy, loss of appetite, a cough lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks, or signs that could suggest pneumonia. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with underlying heart or airway disease can become sicker faster.

Symptoms to Watch For

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Dry, honking cough

A sudden harsh cough is the classic sign and may be triggered by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the throat.

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Retching or gagging

Some dogs seem like they are trying to clear their throat or bring something up after coughing.

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Sneezing and nasal discharge

Mild upper respiratory signs can occur, especially when more than one infectious agent is involved.

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Lethargy

Low energy is more concerning than cough alone and may signal a more significant infection.

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Decreased appetite

Poor appetite can happen with fever, nasal congestion, or progression to pneumonia.

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Labored breathing

Fast or difficult breathing is not typical of simple kennel cough and should be treated as urgent.

What Causes Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is not a single germ. It is a syndrome caused by several bacteria and viruses that inflame the upper airways, especially the trachea and bronchi. Common organisms linked to canine infectious respiratory disease complex include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, herpesvirus, and Mycoplasma, and other pathogens may also be involved. It spreads through respiratory droplets, direct dog-to-dog contact, and contaminated shared items such as bowls or surfaces.

Higher exposure risk in boarding kennels, daycare, shelters, grooming facilities, training classes, shows, and dog parks
Puppies are at higher risk of infection and complications
Stress, crowding, poor ventilation, and recent transport can increase susceptibility
Dogs with underlying airway disease, heart disease, or weakened immunity may have more severe illness
Vaccination can reduce risk and severity for some causes, but it does not prevent every case because kennel cough has multiple possible pathogens

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How It's Diagnosed

Veterinarians often diagnose kennel cough based on your dog's history, recent exposure to other dogs, and the type of cough. At the appointment, your vet will listen to the chest, assess breathing effort, check temperature, and look for nasal discharge, eye discharge, or signs of pneumonia. Dogs with mild, uncomplicated cough may not need extensive testing, but dogs with fever, lethargy, poor appetite, or breathing changes usually need a deeper workup.

Physical exam and exposure history, including recent boarding, daycare, travel, shows, or shelter stay
Chest X-rays if your vet is concerned about pneumonia or wants to rule out other causes of coughing
PCR testing from nasal, throat, or tracheal swabs to help identify infectious causes in some cases
Bloodwork or additional respiratory testing if signs are severe, persistent, or not improving as expected
Isolation precautions at the clinic may be used because kennel cough is contagious

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Treatment Options

Many dogs with uncomplicated kennel cough recover with time, rest, and nursing care. Treatment depends on how sick the dog is and whether pneumonia is present. Antibiotics are not always needed for mild cough-only cases, but they may be prescribed when bacterial infection is suspected or when lower airway disease develops. Dogs with pneumonia may need hospitalization, oxygen support, imaging, and more intensive treatment. Use a harness instead of a neck collar while your dog is coughing, and keep your dog away from other dogs until your veterinarian says it is safe.

Rest, hydration, humidified air, and avoiding airway irritation such as smoke or strenuous exercise
Cough-control medication may be used in selected dogs as directed by a veterinarian
Antibiotics may be recommended when clinically indicated, especially if there is concern for bacterial involvement or pneumonia
Hospital care may be needed for dogs with fever, dehydration, weakness, or difficulty breathing
Supportive home management includes feeding palatable food, monitoring breathing, and limiting exposure to other dogs during recovery

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5–10 days

Typical incubation period

10–20 days

Typical duration

Any age, higher risk in puppies

Most affected age group

$100–$800+

Estimated treatment cost

Living with Kennel Cough

Without Management

With Proper Care

Continuing dog park, daycare, boarding, or grooming visits can spread infection and expose your dog to additional pathogens.

Temporary isolation from other dogs helps reduce transmission and gives the airways time to heal.

Neck collars, pulling on leash walks, and rough play can trigger more coughing.

Switching to a harness and keeping activity calm can make your dog more comfortable.

Waiting too long when breathing worsens or appetite drops can allow pneumonia to progress.

Prompt veterinary care for fever, lethargy, breathing changes, or poor appetite can improve outcomes.

Skipping preventive planning may leave high-exposure dogs more vulnerable.

Discussing lifestyle-based vaccines and exposure reduction with your vet can lower risk and severity in the future.

Frequently asked questions

Is kennel cough an emergency?

Usually not, but it can become urgent. Call your vet promptly if your dog has trouble breathing, fever, marked lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge that is worsening, or a cough that is not improving within 1 to 2 weeks. Puppies and medically fragile dogs should be evaluated sooner.

How do dogs get kennel cough?

Dogs usually catch kennel cough from respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated objects and surfaces. It spreads easily in kennels, shelters, daycare, training classes, dog shows, and other places where dogs mix closely.

Can vaccinated dogs still get kennel cough?

Yes. Vaccines can help reduce the risk and severity of illness from certain causes, such as Bordetella and parainfluenza, but kennel cough is a syndrome with multiple infectious agents. Vaccinated dogs can still develop a cough, though illness may be milder.

How long is kennel cough contagious?

Contagious periods can vary with the cause and the individual dog. Because dogs may still spread infection after the cough starts, ask your veterinarian how long your dog should stay away from other dogs before returning to daycare, boarding, classes, or parks.

Does kennel cough go away on its own?

Many uncomplicated cases do improve with rest and supportive care, but not every cough is simple kennel cough. If your dog seems otherwise unwell, is getting worse, or is not improving as expected, call your vet.

Are some breeds more prone to complications?

Kennel cough can affect any breed. Rather than a strong breed predisposition, risk tends to be higher in dogs with heavy exposure to other dogs, puppies, and dogs with pre-existing airway problems such as brachycephalic airway disease or collapsing trachea, because respiratory illness may hit them harder.

Sources

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.

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