I. What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is characterized by infection and inflammation of the airways caused by several viral or bacterial organisms. It can also be called infectious tracheobronchitis. The organisms that can be involved are Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza viruses, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, canine herpes virus, reoviruses, and mycoplasma. The most commonly involved organisms are Bordetella bronchiseptica and the parainfluenza viruses. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a member of the same family of bacteria that causes whooping cough in people (Bordetella pertussis).

Kennel cough is very common in dogs and is very contagious. Dogs that board a lot, dogs that spend a lot of time with other dogs, and young dogs are more likely to get kennel cough, but any dog that spends time with or around other dogs can get kennel cough. The organisms are spread in the air, and most infections are caused by more than one organism. Symptoms usually start within ten days after a dog is exposed.

II. What to Watch for at Home – Symptoms

The first sign of infection is usually coughing. Coughing occurs in fits, and dogs may cough so hard that they nearly vomit or do vomit at the end of a coughing fit. Sometimes, the cough is described as sounding like a “honking” cough. The cough is usually worse when a dog gets excited or exercises. Below are a couple of videos that demonstrate what kennel cough sounds like.

Mildly affected dogs may only have a cough and not develop other symptoms. More severely affected dogs may develop a runny nose, runny eyes, and fever. The runny nose may be clear, or if there is a bacterial infection, the nasal discharge may be cloudy or green colored. In rare cases, pneumonia may develop

III. The Veterinary Visit – How to Tell if a Dog has Kennel Cough

Usually, diagnosis of kennel cough is easy. The history and physical examination are all that is needed. If the lungs sound harsh or there are other abnormalities heard in the chest during the examination, chest x-rays should be taken. Chest x-rays are used to verify the presence or absence of pneumonia. If a dog is this ill, blood work should also be done to make sure there are no other health problems that can be identified.

IV. Treatment

Most dogs with kennel cough only need supportive care to get better. This includes:

• Oral antibiotics to treat the bacterial parts of the infection and prevent secondary bacteria from making the disease worse.


• Cough suppressants if coughing is severe and pneumonia is not present.


• Prevent dehydration by offering plenty of water.


• Make sure the patient is still eating. Canned food may be a little less irritating to the throat.


• Limit activity and excitement to control coughing fits.

For the rare dog that gets very ill and develops pneumonia, hospitalization may be necessary. In the hospital situation, a dog will get more intense care including:

• Placement of an IV catheter. Fluids can be given through the IV to prevent dehydration. This will keep the mucus in the lungs from becoming dried out. It is important that the mucus stay fluid so the dog can cough it up and remove it from the lungs. Antibiotics can also be given through the IV.


• Oxygen can be given to dogs that have very bad cases of pneumonia.


• Other medications, such as bronchodilators, can be given to make breathing a little easier.

In most dogs, symptoms resolve within two weeks. Dogs that develop pneumonia may take longer to recover.

V. Prevention

The best way to prevent kennel cough is with vaccination. There are two types of vaccine. One vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. It takes seven to fourteen days for a dog to develop protective antibodies after this vaccine is given. The other type of vaccine is given in the nose (intranasal). Dogs develop protective antibodies much more quickly with this vaccine.

Intranasal vaccine being given

Both types of vaccines should be started during puppy-hood. Initially, a puppy should receive two doses of the vaccine given about one month apart. The last vaccine should be given when the puppy is at least four months old. After that, a dog should get a booster vaccine once per year especially if it boards or spends time with other dogs. Vaccines may not always prevent a dog from getting kennel cough, but they will make the disease less severe and easier to treat an infection does develop.