Coughing Dogs: How to Recognize and Prevent Kennel Cough

If your dog returns from daycare or the groomer and develops a dry, hacking cough a few days later, kennel cough could be the cause. This common respiratory infection spreads quickly but is usually mild with proper care. With timely veterinary attention and vaccination, most dogs recover fully without complications.

At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, our Fear Free team provides comprehensive wellness and prevention care to help protect your pet from contagious respiratory diseases. When kennel cough does occur, we offer gentle, individualized guidance through diagnosis, treatment, and safe recovery- helping your dog breathe easy again.

What Causes That Harsh, Honking Cough?

“Kennel cough” refers to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), a group of viral and bacterial infections that produce similar symptoms. The most common culprit is Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that often pairs with viruses such as parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2.

These pathogens spread through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. Shared toys, bowls, or surfaces can also pass the infection along. Boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, and shelters are common exposure points- especially if ventilation is poor or dogs are stressed.

After exposure, signs appear within two to ten days. Because dogs are contagious before they show symptoms, isolation and early recognition are key to preventing outbreaks.

Recognizing the Classic Signs

Kennel cough typically causes a dry, honking cough that sounds worse than it feels. The cough often worsens with excitement, activity, or pressure on the neck. You might hear gagging or retching, sometimes followed by small amounts of white foam.

Other signs include:

  • Runny nose and watery eyes
  • Mild lethargy or tiredness
  • Low-grade fever
  • Persistent but dry cough despite normal appetite

Most dogs remain bright and active. However, coughing combined with difficulty breathing, blue or pale gums, or rapid chest movement may indicate respiratory distress and requires urgent veterinary care.

How Kennel Cough Spreads

Kennel cough is highly contagious. Dogs shed the bacteria and viruses for weeks after infection- even once the cough has improved.

To stop transmission:

  • Isolate coughing dogs from others until cleared by a veterinarian.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact.
  • Clean food bowls, bedding, and toys with veterinary disinfectant.
  • Use separate leashes, collars, and harnesses for sick pets.

At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, our team provides personalized isolation and home-care guidance to help protect both your pets and your community.

When a Cough Becomes More Serious

Most cases resolve on their own, but secondary infections can cause pneumonia, especially in puppies, seniors, or dogs with chronic illness. Pneumonia causes fever, loss of appetite, and labored breathing, requiring prompt veterinary treatment.

Dogs with existing respiratory or heart conditions face higher risks when a cough develops. Chronic issues such as collapsing trachea, bronchitis, or heart disease can make it harder for the lungs and heart to function under stress. Even a mild infection or airway irritation can tip these patients into respiratory distress, fatigue, or fluid buildup in the lungs. Because of this, coughing in pets with underlying conditions should never be monitored at home for long- it’s safest to schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible.

Any signs of difficulty breathing (dyspnea)– such as panting at rest, open-mouth breathing, or collapse- are medical emergencies that require immediate care.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam. Our veterinarians will ask about recent exposure to boarding, daycare, or grooming facilities and gently palpate the trachea to see if it triggers coughing.

For typical cases, treatment begins based on clinical signs alone. When symptoms are atypical or severe, additional diagnostics may be recommended, including:

  • PCR testing to identify respiratory pathogens
  • Chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs or rule out pneumonia
  • Bloodwork to assess immune and organ health

These tests allow us to provide the right level of care- whether simple rest and cough control or more advanced intervention.

Treatment and Home Care

Most uncomplicated cases improve with rest and supportive care within one to three weeks.

Home care tips:

  • Keep your dog calm and limit activity.
  • Use a humidifier to soothe airways.
  • Replace collars with harnesses to avoid tracheal pressure.
  • Encourage hydration and offer soft, palatable foods.

Your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants or anti-inflammatories for comfort. Antibiotics are used only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or complications are likely.

Monitor your dog closely during recovery. If the cough worsens, fever develops, or appetite drops, contact us immediately for re-evaluation.

Preventing Kennel Cough

Vaccination remains the best defense. Bordetella, parainfluenza, and adenovirus type 2 vaccines greatly reduce both severity and spread, though no vaccine prevents every strain. Vaccinated dogs usually experience milder illness and recover faster.

Our wellness and prevention plans include vaccine scheduling tailored to your dog’s risk level and lifestyle.

If your dog attends daycare, classes, or boarding, plan booster vaccines at least two weeks before arrival. Before boarding, follow boarding tips such as bringing your own dishes, confirming cleanliness policies, and avoiding overcrowded facilities.

Proper ventilation, regular disinfection, and early isolation of coughing dogs help minimize outbreaks.

Can Kennel Cough Affect Cats?

Yes. Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, or coughing, especially in kittens or multi-pet households. While it’s less common than in dogs, cross-species transmission is possible.

As a Feline Friendly Practice, we tailor every visit to reduce stress and provide gentle handling. Our team is Fear Free certified and trained to recognize subtle signs of feline distress, ensuring compassionate care even when your cat isn’t feeling well.

Emergency Signs That Need Immediate Care

Contact a veterinarian or emergency hospital if your dog shows:

  • Trouble breathing or blue gums
  • Coughing that leads to collapse
  • High fever above 103°F
  • Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours

During business hours, our team offers urgent illness and injury evaluations. For after-hours needs, we coordinate with trusted emergency hospitals to ensure continuous care.

Returning to Activities After Recovery

Most dogs recover within two to three weeks, but they may remain contagious for several weeks afterward. Wait for veterinary clearance before returning to daycare, boarding, or group walks.

When your dog is symptom-free, reintroduce exercise gradually. Continue using a harness and monitor for any lingering cough or fatigue.

Ongoing wellness visits keep your dog protected long-term. Vaccination, early detection, and a strong immune foundation are your best safeguards against future outbreaks.

Your Partner in Preventive Care

Kennel cough is common and contagious- but preventable with vaccination and informed care. Early recognition and proper management protect both your dog and your community.

At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive services including diagnostics, dental care, surgery, and wellness planning- all delivered in a compassionate environment with Fear-Free certified professionals.

If your dog develops a cough after group activities or you’d like to review their vaccination plan, contact us or request an appointment today. Together, we’ll keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and confidently protected year-round.