Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious inflammation of a dog’s upper airways. Its hallmark is a harsh, dry cough, often followed by retching and gagging, usually with no fever and no loss of appetite. It is generally mild and resolves in two or three weeks, but untreated it can become chronic in adults and can even be fatal in puppies. A vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica is available.
Key facts:
- Hallmark sign: a harsh, dry cough with retching and gagging. Usually no fever or loss of appetite.
- Where it spreads: kennels, breeders, shops, clinics, boarding kennels, training centres, shows and parks.
- How: through the air, via contaminated surfaces (water bowls) and by direct contact.
- Duration: it usually clears in two or three weeks if the dog is otherwise well.
- Danger: it can become chronic in adults and can be fatal in puppies.
- Vaccine: standard multivalent vaccines cover most agents; there are specific Bordetella vaccines, advisable before boarding.
Kennel cough gets its name from how easily it spreads where dogs gather, and from its main sign: an unmistakable dry cough.
Why does my dog cough?
Like people, dogs cough to clear dust, germs and other substances from the air they breathe, so the occasional cough is normal. But they can also cough because of a viral or bacterial infection. You should see the vet if the cough lasts more than a week or worsens, if the dog seems extremely tired, if it has a fever, if it will not eat, or if it has other health problems.
Note that a cough can also be caused by fungal infections, by heartworm (spread by mosquitoes), by distemper (serious, preventable with the annual vaccine), by heart disease (faulty valves press on the lungs and airways) or by lung problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
What is kennel cough?
It is the everyday name for infectious tracheobronchitis, an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is generally a mild illness. However, if untreated it can become chronic in adults and can even cause death in puppies.
How does it spread?
Through the air: when it coughs, the dog releases hundreds of microorganisms that contaminate the air and survive until another dog breathes them in. Via contaminated surfaces: if an infected dog drinks from a bowl and another comes into contact with it, it is easily infected — hence the importance of hygiene. By direct contact: sniffing noses or breathing the same air as an infected dog is enough.
It spreads where animals gather in numbers: kennels, breeders, shops, veterinary clinics, training centres, boarding kennels, shows, exhibitions and parks. Dogs, being social, sniff and lick each other, and viruses and bacteria travel fast. Infected animals must be isolated.
What are the symptoms?
If the dog has been in close contact with others and shows a harsh, dry cough, which may be followed by retching and gagging, it may have kennel cough. There is usually no fever and no change in appetite, and if the dog is behaving normally it will most likely clear up in two or three weeks.
The case can worsen if stress, poor nutrition or adverse conditions are added: then purulent nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite and a productive cough can appear. When that happens, the first step is to isolate the animal so it does not infect others, and to maintain strict hygiene.
How can I help it recover?
Use a humidifier to ease the irritated lungs; provide a suitable diet and fresh water at all times; keep it in a warm environment; use a harness rather than a collar to avoid pulling on the neck; give the medication the vet prescribes if needed; and create a stress-free environment.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes. The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is involved in the disease (especially in puppies under six months), but it is not the only microorganism responsible: the illness results from the combination of several viruses, and it is sometimes complicated by secondary bacterial infection. In Spain it is not usually a common disease, and it is easy to prevent: standard multivalent vaccines usually include most of the agents. There are also specific vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, advisable for high-risk animals and, above all, if you are going to leave your dog at a boarding kennel.
Frequently asked questions
How long does kennel cough last?
If the dog is behaving normally and has no fever, it usually clears in two or three weeks.
Is it contagious to other dogs?
Very. It spreads through the air, via surfaces such as water bowls and by direct contact. Isolate the affected dog.
When should I take it to the vet?
If the cough lasts more than a week or worsens, if it has a fever, will not eat, or seems very tired.
Should I vaccinate before boarding?
Strongly advisable: there is a specific vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica for high-risk animals.
Consultations, X-rays and medication: even a mild illness carries a bill. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
