Yes, a vaccinated dog can still get kennel cough. While the Bordetella vaccine helps reduce the risk and severity, there is still a chance for your vaccinated dog to get kennel cough. Kennel cough can be caused by multiple virus and bacteria strains, which can be tricky.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is an illness of a dog’s respiratory system. This is a contagious respiratory infection that impacts a dog’s windpipe and voice box. It can be likened to the common cold we have in humans. Kennel cough can be easily transmitted into the environments where dogs usually stay, such as kennels, dog parks, and dog boarding facilities.

While kennel cough as a whole is not a super serious issue, it can cause discomfort and unpleasant symptoms for your dog. It’s still important to understand the disease and know how to help your dog recover.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs

Even though vaccinated dogs are protected, they can still get kennel cough, but the symptoms are usually less severe compared to unvaccinated dogs. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms you might notice if your vaccinated dog contracts kennel cough:

Mild, Persistent Cough

Your dog may still have the classic kennel cough, which sounds like a dry, honking cough. However, it tends to be milder and less frequent in vaccinated dogs. You might notice it more after they exercise, get excited, or pull on the leash.

Occasional Gagging

After coughing, your dog may gag or retch, almost like they are trying to clear something from their throat. This can be alarming, but it’s a common symptom of kennel cough and is usually not dangerous.

Runny Nose

A slight nasal discharge may appear, but it’s often clear and not too noticeable. Vaccinated dogs typically won’t experience the more severe runny nose and mucus that unvaccinated dogs might.

Slight Fatigue

While many vaccinated dogs stay active, some may seem a little more tired than usual. They might take longer naps or seem less energetic during playtime. It’s not extreme lethargy, but you may notice your dog needs more rest.

Sneezing

Some dogs may sneeze occasionally, especially in the early stages of kennel cough. It’s not constant, but it could be a sign that their body is trying to fight off the infection.

What Causes Kennel Cough in Dogs?

While Bordetella bronchiseptica is the main cause of kennel cough in dogs, there are also other possible causes:

Bordetella bronchiseptica

A common cause of kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacteria inflames the airways, leading to a dry, persistent cough. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious among dogs.

You’re most likely to find Bordetella in places where dogs are close together, like kennels, grooming salons, dog parks, or boarding facilities. These areas, especially if poorly ventilated, allow the bacteria to spread quickly.

Canine Parainfluenza Virus

Kennel cough is also often caused by the canine parainfluenza virus. Because it affects the lungs, it makes you cough a little. It's not generally very bad, but it can make a dog more likely to get other infections because it weakens their immune system.

This virus spreads rapidly in doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and parks where dogs play together. When dogs frequent these places, it increases the chance of transmission but regular vaccinations can lower the risk.

Canine Adenovirus

Another virus that can cause kennel cough is canine adenovirus. It triggers an inflammatory response in the respiratory tract, which manifests as a hacking cough and watery eyes. Most dogs, thankfully, do quite fine with the right treatment.

Adenovirus is commonly found in kennels, dog shows, and grooming salons where dogs are kept in close quarters. Vaccinating your dog is the best way to protect against this virus in these environments.

Canine Coronavirus

The canine coronavirus affects dogs’ respiratory systems and can cause mild symptoms like coughing. It’s different from the human coronavirus and is usually not serious on its own but can contribute to kennel cough when combined with other infections.

You’re likely to find canine coronavirus in places where dogs are grouped together, such as dog parks, kennels, or boarding facilities. Being clean and practicing excellent hygiene will help lower the chance of contracting the virus, which can spread through direct contact or shared places.

These germs thrive in environments like kennels, grooming salons, or dog parks, especially if the space is not well-ventilated. However, by taking the proper steps, such as vaccination and good overall hygiene, you can help manage the risks of canine coronavirus. 

Diagnosing Kennel Cough in Dogs

Diagnosing kennel cough is usually straightforward for veterinarians. The first thing a vet will ask when you take your dog in is whether or not your pet has been in close proximity to other dogs recently, such as at a dog park, kennel, or groomer.

Physical Examination

While the test is going on, our vets will check your dog's throat, lungs, and general lung health. They’ll listen to your dog’s breathing with a stethoscope to detect any signs of infection or distress in the lungs.

Additional Tests

If your dog’s symptoms are more severe or don’t improve, our vets might suggest further tests to rule out other possible conditions.

Chest X-rays

If your dog’s cough is persistent or more serious, chest X-rays may be taken to check for signs of pneumonia or other lung problems. This is especially important if your dog is older or has a weakened immune system.

Throat Swabs

Our vets may take a swab from your dog's throat to be sure that the germs or viruses that cause kennel cough are really there. This sample can be tested to identify whether Bordetella bronchiseptica or other germs are responsible, helping our vets determine the best course of treatment.

Treating Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough is usually a weak illness that goes away on its own in a week or two. However, treatment can greatly help in easing your dog’s symptoms and ensuring a quicker, more comfortable recovery. When dealing with kennel cough, here is what our vets do to treat it:

Anti-Cough Medicines

Cough suppressants lessen your dog's coughing by soothing the throat. These medications relieve coughing and help your dog sleep, especially at night, by calming the airways. Following our recommended schedule on these medications can help treat your dog’s kennel cough.

Antibiotics

If your dog's kennel cough is due to a bacterial infection like Bordetella bronchiseptica, we might suggest some antibiotics to help out. These medications work to get rid of the bacteria that cause the infection.

Rest and Avoiding Exercise

Rest is key to helping your dog recover from kennel cough. Too much physical activity can aggravate the cough and make symptoms worse. Your dog should be given plenty of time to rest, and you should avoid walks, strenuous play, or activities that get them too excited. 

Hydration and Comfort

Keeping your dog well-hydrated is also essential, as fluids help soothe their throat and support their recovery. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times. To make them more comfortable, avoid smoke and strong perfumes, which can worsen coughing.

Quarantine

If your dog has kennel cough, it’s a good idea to keep them away from other dogs until they’ve fully recovered. This helps prevent the spreading the infection, as kennel cough is easily transmitted between dogs through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.

Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs

Despite how easily it spreads, there are measures you can take to keep your dog healthy and free of kennel cough. Prevention is especially important for dogs that regularly interact with other dogs, such as at boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. Here’s how you can minimize the risk:

Complete Your Dog’s Vaccination

The kennel cough vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your dog, especially if they spend time around other dogs in places like daycares, kennels, or dog parks. It helps prevent common causes of kennel cough, like Bordetella bronchiseptica and some viruses.

Avoid Contact with Infected Dogs

One of the easiest ways to prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog away from any dogs that show signs of illness, such as coughing or sneezing. Avoid high-traffic dog areas like parks and grooming salons if there's a kennel cough outbreak.

Choose Well-Ventilated Boarding Facilities

If you need to board your dog or take them to a daycare, be selective about the facility you choose. Kennel cough spreads easily in poorly ventilated environments where dogs are kept in close quarters. Make sure to visit the facility first to see if the place is clean and safe for your dog.

Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

Make sure your dog has a strong immune system to help them fight off illnesses like kennel cough. Your pet will stay in great shape and be happy and healthy if they eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Conclusion

The vaccine helps lessen the severity of kennel cough, but vaccinated dogs can still get the disease. Your dog will be better protected and will recover more quickly from illness if you keep up with their vaccinations and practice good hygiene. The secret to a long, healthy life for your dog is prevention!