Kennel Cough: Your Go-To Guide

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 8
6 min read

If your dog has a harsh, honking cough that sounds like a goose, they may have kennel cough. This is something you may encounter if you just adopted a dog from a shelter or your dog has spent time around many other dogs.

This common canine illness might sound scary, but with a little TLC, most dogs make a full recovery. So don't stress!

Here’s what you need to know to keep your pup breathing easy.

What Is Kennel Cough?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), kennel cough, officially known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. It’s similar to the common cold in humans.

Learn More: What Are Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs?

What Is the Prognosis for Kennel Cough?

The prognosis for dogs with kennel cough is good! Most cases resolve on their own within a couple of weeks.

However, in our opinion, you can never go wrong with having a veterinarian evaluate your pup if you think they have kennel cough just to make sure they make a full recovery as quickly as possible. We like to follow the motto of “better safe than sorry.”

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

How Common Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is very common. In fact, ControlPoint Diagnostics reports that veterinarians in the U.S. see roughly 5.5 million kennel cough cases annually.

Learn More: Common Health Issues Your Shelter Dog May Have

How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?

Most veterinarians will diagnose kennel cough by simply massaging your dog's throat to get them to do the typical cough associated with kennel cough. Some veterinarians may want to do additional testing to ensure the illness hasn't progressed.

How (And Where) Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough spreads through close or direct contact with infected dogs. Dogs can also get it by breathing in sneeze or cough droplets from infected pups or exposure to contaminated surfaces (like shared water bowls, toys, or bedding).

It thrives in crowded areas with lots of dog-to-dog interaction, including:

Boarding kennels
Doggy daycares
Dog parks
Grooming salons
Shelters
Training classes

Even a quick sniff or nose boop with an infected dog can pass it on.

How Long Does It Take Dogs To Show Symptoms of Kennel Cough After Exposure?

It usually takes a dog two to three days to show symptoms, but sometimes it can take up to 10 days.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

The classic sign of kennel cough is a frequent, honking cough. It may look like retching or gagging. Sometimes, it can include froth that looks like vomit.

Other symptoms can include:

Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Mild fever
Runny nose or eyes
Sneezing

In mild cases, dogs often stay alert and active despite the cough. In more severe instances, especially in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs, symptoms can worsen.

Can Kennel Cough Cause Any Serious Health Risks?

Most healthy dogs recover without complications, but kennel cough can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. These may include:

Chronic bronchitis
Pneumonia
Secondary bacterial infections

It’s always a good idea to contact your vet if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days.

How Is Kennel Cough Treated?

Depending on the severity of your dog’s case, at-home care may be sufficient. That said, an evaluation with your vet is always a wise choice to determine if additional medications might be beneficial.

At-Home Care

Rest and supportive care at home can do wonders for dogs with kennel cough. Consider trying the following:

A teaspoon of honey (as long as your dog isn’t diabetic or obese)
Keeping your dog hydrated
Limiting activity to reduce irritation in the airway
Using a humidifier or letting your dog sit in a steamy bathroom
Walking your dog on a harness to give their trachea a rest
Wet food for dogs who aren’t drinking enough

Never use over-the-counter human cough medicine unless directed by your vet.

Veterinary Intervention

If symptoms are moderate or severe, your vet might prescribe antibiotics, cough suppressants, or anti-inflammatories.

Dogs with underlying conditions or at higher risk may require a more aggressive approach. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns or it seems like your dog is getting worse.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

Most sources report that kennel cough lasts anywhere from one to three weeks. However, it's possible that kennel cough may last up to a month.

In our experience, we’ve found that most cases resolve in 10 days to two weeks. That said, we do take our recently rescued foster pups to see a veterinarian once they start showing symptoms so they can start medication quickly if warranted.

How Long Can Kennel Cough Live on Surfaces?

Kennel cough can live on surfaces for up to five days, but other sources we’ve seen mention 48 hours.

Regardless, proper sanitation is key when dealing with kennel cough. This includes disinfecting surfaces and washing bedding, clothing, bowls, toys, and other objects your dog comes into contact with.

Is Kennel Cough Deadly?

Kennel cough is usually not deadly. However, sometimes it can turn into pneumonia. This generally only happens to:

Immunocompromised dogs
Senior dogs
Young puppies

If kennel cough progresses to pneumonia, it can be fatal.

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Other Dogs?

Yes. Kennel cough is extremely contagious to other dogs and spreads very easily.

How Long Are Dogs With Kennel Cough Contagious?

Most dogs are contagious for 10 to 14 days after starting to show symptoms, especially if you get the pup on antibiotics for potential bacterial infection.

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to People?

Kennel cough can spread to humans, but this rarely happens. For most people, contracting kennel cough from a sick dog isn’t something to be worried about.

According to Healthline, a dog infecting a human with kennel cough generally only occurs when someone has significant pre-existing conditions, like lung disease, or is seriously immunocompromised.

If you get kennel cough from your dog, you’ll likely develop an upper respiratory infection, but serious complications are possible.

Is There a Vaccine for Kennel Cough?

Yes! It’s called the Bordetella vaccine, and it is available in three forms:

Injectable
Intranasal spray
Oral

The intranasal version of the vaccine is reportedly the fastest-working option. The oral version is not used as commonly.

Some boarding facilities, groomers, and daycares require proof of a Bordatella vaccine within the last six months.

Learn More: Adult Dog Vaccines

Can a Vaccinated Dog Still Get Kennel Cough?

Yes, they can. This is much like a flu shot doesn’t always prevent the flu.

Fortunately, vaccinated dogs often experience milder symptoms and shorter illness duration. Since multiple pathogens can cause kennel cough, no single vaccine covers all of them.

How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Kennel Cough?

In addition to regularly vaccinating your dog, here are some proactive tips to protect your pup from kennel cough:

Avoid crowded spaces during outbreaks
Consider an in-home pet sitter or dog walker instead of boarding or daycare
Disinfect bowls, toys, and crates regularly
Quarantine new dogs in your home for a week (or more) to ensure they don’t start showing symptoms

Final Thoughts

Kennel cough can sound dramatic, but in most cases, it’s treatable and not a cause for panic. With awareness, preventive care, and some TLC, your pup will be back to tail-wagging in no time.

If you're ever unsure, your vet is your best resource. Never hesitate to give them a call.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.

Sources

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