What is kennel cough and how is it transmitted?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs, often caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria, primarily Bordetella bronchiseptica. It spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and shared objects.

What are the common symptoms of kennel cough?

Common symptoms of kennel cough include a dry, persistent cough that may sound like a goose honking, gagging or retching, runny nose, mild fever, and lethargy.

How long does kennel cough last and when is it contagious?

Kennel cough typically lasts from 7 to 21 days. Dogs can be contagious before symptoms appear and remain so for 10 to 14 days after coughing stops.

Can humans or cats get kennel cough?

Humans are rarely at risk, but immunocompromised individuals should avoid close contact with sick dogs. Cats can also catch kennel cough, but it's less common.

What should I do if my dog shows signs of kennel cough?

If your dog shows signs of kennel cough, consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Home care often includes rest, hydration, and possibly medications to ease symptoms.

What Is Kennel Cough? Symptoms, Sound, Care & Prevention

Waking up to a loud, dry hacking noise is terrifying for any dog owner. If you are wondering what is kennel cough, you likely have a sick pup making a sound that resembles a goose honk. This alarming noise is the hallmark of a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects thousands of dogs every year.

Essentially the "common cold" of the canine world, kennel cough is usually mild but spreads rapidly in social settings like boarding facilities and parks. While most dogs recover on their own, understanding the symptoms and risks is vital to prevent it from progressing into something more serious.

In this guide, we will break down the distinct symptoms, how to treat kennel cough effectively at home, and when antibiotics or the Bordetella vaccine are necessary for your dog's health.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, medically known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a broad term for inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box).

It is rarely caused by a single bug. Instead, it is a complex syndrome resulting from a mix of viruses and bacteria. The most common bacterial culprit is Bordetella bronchiseptica, which damages the lining of the airways. It often works in tandem with viruses such as:

Canine Parainfluenza
Canine Adenovirus Type 2
Canine Distemper
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Common Triggers & Risks

Just like children catching a cold at school, dogs catch this illness where they socialize. It gets its name because it spreads rapidly in crowded conditions. If you are working on how to desensitize a dog to strangers or visiting busy areas, be aware of these high-risk environments:

Boarding kennels: The most common source due to close quarters.
Dog parks: Nose-to-nose contact allows for rapid transmission.
Grooming salons: Poor ventilation or shared holding cages can harbor germs.
Shelters: High stress and crowding make shelter dogs particularly susceptible.

Contagion Levels

For the majority of healthy adult dogs, the condition is mild and self-limiting. However, it is airborne and incredibly contagious.

Expert Insight: While usually mild, the condition creates a "vicious cycle." The bacteria damage the protective cilia (hairs) in the respiratory tract, making the dog vulnerable to secondary infections. This is why monitoring is crucial; what starts as a cold can occasionally progress to pneumonia in puppies or seniors.

Kennel Cough Symptoms

Identifying kennel cough symptoms in dogs early helps prevent the spread to other pets. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Distinctive Cough: A dry, persistent, hacking noise.
Gagging/Retching: The cough is often forceful enough to make the dog gag. This can sometimes be confused with digestive issues, so check for dog tummy noises to ensure it isn't a gastrointestinal problem.
Runny Nose: Clear nasal discharge or watery eyes.
Mild Fever: Some dogs may seem tired or have a slight temperature.

Identifying the Sound

Describing a cough to a vet can be difficult. Here is how to differentiate the "goose honk" from other noises:

The "Goose Honk": This sound is outward and forceful. It sounds like a loud, dry "HONK" or like the dog is trying to hack something up. You can listen to examples of this specific cough sound to confirm.
Reverse Sneezing: This sounds like a rapid, loud "snort" or choking noise where air movement is inward.
Collapsing Trachea: This produces a similar honking sound but is a chronic, long-term condition often seen in small breeds, unlike the sudden onset of an infection.

Signs of Pneumonia

While most dogs recover with rest, you must watch for signs that the infection is moving into the lungs. If your dog shows signs of severe illness, similar to the lethargy seen in dog diarrhea cases, seek veterinary care immediately.

Watch for:

Labored breathing: Rapid, shallow breaths.
Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours.
Extreme lethargy: Refusal to get up or go outside.
Productive cough: The sound changes from dry to "wet" or gurgling.
Fever: A temperature above 104°F (40°C).

Transmission & Duration

Understanding how is kennel cough spread is key to stopping the outbreak in your local community.

Transmission Vectors

The pathogens travel through respiratory droplets. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, shedding can occur through:

Direct Contact: Touching noses or playing.
Airborne: Droplets lingering in poorly ventilated areas.
Fomites: Shared water bowls, toys, and clothing.

Recovery Timeline

If you are asking how long does kennel cough last, the answer varies by dog:

Typical Timeline: Most dogs recover completely within 7 to 21 days (1 to 3 weeks).
Contagious Period: Dogs can be contagious before they start coughing and remain contagious for 10 to 14 days after symptoms resolve.
Rule of Thumb: Keep your dog isolated for at least two weeks after the coughing stops.

Human & Cat Risks

Humans: It is extremely rare for healthy adults to catch this. However, the CDC notes that immunocompromised individuals may be at risk from Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Cats: Yes, cats can get the Bordetella bacteria. If you have a multi-pet household, separate your coughing dog from your cat immediately.

Treatment Options

Learning how to treat kennel cough often starts with home care. If your dog is eating and acting normal despite the cough, supportive care is usually sufficient.

Effective Home Remedies

These strategies focus on soothing the irritated throat:

Rest & Isolation: Limit exercise. Excitement triggers coughing fits.
Steam Therapy: Bring your dog into the bathroom while you run a hot shower. The steam helps loosen mucus.
Use a Harness: Remove the neck collar immediately. Switching to one of the 10 best German Shepherd harnesses prevents pressure on the windpipe which can trigger coughing.
Hydration: Encourage drinking by adding low-sodium chicken broth to water.
Soothing Foods: For dogs over one year old, a little honey can coat the throat. You can also try offering soft, probiotic-rich foods; learn how to pick the right plain yogurt to help support their immune system during recovery.

Medical Interventions

Kennel cough medicine for dogs prescribed by a vet may include:

Cough Suppressants: Drugs like hydrocodone or butorphanol to stop the hacking cycle.
Anti-inflammatories: To reduce fever and throat swelling.
Bronchodilators: To help open airways in severe cases.

Antibiotic Usage

Many owners ask about antibiotic kennel cough treatments.

When NOT needed: For mild, viral cases in healthy dogs, antibiotics do not kill viruses.
When used: If the vet suspects a bacterial component (Bordetella) or pneumonia risk, they may prescribe Doxycycline. See Merck Veterinary Manual for more on diagnosis and treatment protocols.

Medication Safety

Never play pharmacist with your dog. Many human cold medicines are toxic.

Avoid: Tylenol, Advil, or any syrup containing Xylitol. It is critical to identify products with xylitol to avoid accidental poisoning.
Safe Alternative: Only use medicines prescribed specifically by your veterinarian.

Prevention & Vaccines

Prevention is cheaper than treatment. The cornerstone of protection is the Bordetella vaccine.

Vaccine Types

According to AAHA vaccination guidelines, there are three administration methods:

Intranasal (Nose drops): Often creates immunity fastest (48–72 hours).
Oral (Mouth drops): Effective within about a week.
Injectable (Shot): Usually requires two doses initially.

Frequency & Limits

This is a "lifestyle" vaccine essential for dogs that board, groom, or train. Most vets recommend an annual booster, but boarding facilities often require it every 6 months.

Note: The vaccine does not guarantee immunity because many different viruses cause the cough. However, vaccinated dogs typically experience much milder symptoms. To further boost your dog's defenses, consider adding dog probiotics to their diet.

Conclusion

So, what is kennel cough? It is a noisy, highly contagious, but manageable illness. While the "goose honk" is frightening, remember that with rest, hydration, and patience, most dogs bounce back quickly.

Your Action Plan:

Listen: Confirm the dry, hacking sound.
Isolate: Keep your dog away from parks and other pets.
Comfort: Use steam and switch to a harness.
Consult: Call your vet to see if antibiotics are needed.
Prevent: Keep vaccinations up to date.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health conditions.