When a dog starts coughing, it can make any pet owner feel worried. There could be many reasons why a dog coughs, but one of the most common reasons is kennel cough.  

You might have heard the term Bordetella being used instead of kennel cough. While it is true that this virus causes the illnesses, there are other viruses that can also be the culprit.

While kennel cough is not as severe as parvovirus, 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 when it contracts the virus.

Understanding Kennel Cough in Dogs

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 to dogs in environments where they usually stay, such as kennels, dog parks, and dog boarding facilities.

Is kennel cough contagious to humans?

Kennel cough is rarely contagious to humans. The viruses that cause kennel cough in dogs specifically target canine pets, and other animals, like cats, can’t get infected as well.

Is kennel cough the same as canine flu?

Canine influenza is a completely different illness from kennel cough. Both of these diseases affect a dog’s respiratory system. However, they are caused by different viruses and have varying symptoms.

Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious respiratory diseases complex or CIRDC) is a combination of bacteria and viruses that affect a dog’s respiratory system. 

So, what viruses and bacteria cause kennel cough?

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica – This bacteria inflames the airways, leading to a dry, persistent cough. It spreads quickly through coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious among dogs.

  
  

• Canine Parainfluenza – This virus affects the lungs, but it doesn’t cause too much harm. However, it can make dogs more likely to get other infections because it weakens their immune system.

  
  

• Canine Adenovirus – This virus 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 proper treatment.

  
  

• Canine Coronavirus – The canine coronavirus affects dogs’ respiratory systems and can cause mild symptoms like coughing. It’s usually not serious on its own but can contribute to kennel cough when combined with other infections.

Can a dog get kennel cough multiple times in their life?

"Dogs can indeed contract kennel cough many times throughout their lives. Their health, age, and risk exposure all play a role in how often your dog can get infected." — Dr. Soheyl Simaei, Veterinary Surgeon & Head Veterinarian

How Can Dogs Catch Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough spreads quickly in places where your dog can be in close contact with other animals. Here are some of the common ways kennel cough is transmitted.

1. Direct Contact

   Dogs can easily transmit kennel cough through interactions like licking, sniffing, or playing together. These activities can pass the illness from one dog to another. 

   
   

2. Sneezing or Coughing

   An infected dog can also transmit the disease to a healthy dog just by sneezing or coughing. The tiny droplets that will escape the infected dog’s nose or mouth are filled with kennel cough viruses or bacteria, which can be released into the air. When another dog inhales these droplets, it can easily get infected.

   
   

3. Shared Items

   An infected dog sharing items, such as bowls, leashes, toys, grooming tools, or bedding, with other dogs can quickly spread kennel cough. The virus or bacteria can contaminate these items and can transfer to healthy dogs.

   
   

4. Poor Ventilation

   Enclosed areas with poor ventilation can cause the kennel cough infection to spread quickly. These places can be kennels, daycares, grooming salons, or even your home if you’re caring for multiple dogs.

Recognizing Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough vaccine can help protect your dog, but it can still contract the virus. Fortunately, the symptoms in vaccinated dogs are usually less severe compared to unvaccinated dogs. 

Even with vaccination, it’s vital that you know, as a dog owner, about the symptoms of kennel cough. This can help you determine if your dog needs to be brought to the vet clinic.

1. Mild, Persistent Cough

   A dog with kennel cough will exhibit 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.

   
   

2. 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.

   
   

3. Runny Nose

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

   
   

4. Slight Fatigue

   While many vaccinated dogs stay active, some may seem a little more tired than usual when they get infected by kennel cough. 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.

   
   

5. 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.

Is kennel cough dangerous or life-threatening?

Kennel cough in dogs isn’t usually fatal and sometimes goes away on its own, often within just a few weeks or so. However, puppies and senior dogs that get kennel cough might be at higher risk of complications, like pneumonia or bronchitis.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Kennel Cough?

Diagnosing kennel cough is usually straightforward for experienced veterinarians. The vets will use a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic techniques to determine the root cause of your dog’s kennel cough symptoms.

• Physical Examination – Vets will first check for any clinical signs of kennel cough. During this initial exam, you must also share with your vet any symptoms you have noticed at home or outdoors. It’s also essential to share the places your dog has recently visited.

  
  

• 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 procedure may be recommended by the vet, especially for senior dogs or those without

  
  

• Throat Swabs – Your vet may take a swab from your dog's throat to know whether the kennel cough is caused by bacteria or viruses. Knowing the root cause of the illness will help the vet determine the best treatment plan for your pet.

Depending on the severity of your dog’s condition and the outcome of the initial tests, the vet may request further tests if the kennel cough has progressed to show more serious complications.

How Do You Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Treating kennel cough is more focused on supportive care rather than medications. For mild cases, we often recommend pet owners to let their dogs rest while avoiding activities or areas where their conditions can worsen.

However, for severe kennel cough in dogs, we may prescribe medications for relief because the symptoms can be uncomfortable for many dogs. We will also need to monitor their condition in case secondary infections develop so we can treat them before they progress.

Home Remedies to Help Dogs With Kennel Cough

The care you give your dog at home while they have kennel cough will determine the success of their recovery. Here are some ways to help your dog with kennel cough.

• Let your dog rest by limiting their physical activity when they are still sick. 

• Use a humidifier in the room where your dog sleeps to help them breathe better.

• Make sure your dog has access to fresh water all the time to keep them hydrated.

• Provide nutritious food to help strengthen their immune system.

• Keep your dog away from irritants like smoke, which can worsen their condition.

Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs

Despite how easily kennel cough spreads, there are measures you can take to keep your dog healthy. Prevention is essential for dogs that regularly interact with other dogs, such as at boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.

The kennel cough vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your dog, especially if they often interact with other dogs.

Another way to prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog away from 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 in your community.

If you need to board your pet or take them to a daycare, choose a facility where you will check in your dog. Make sure that the facility is well-maintained and has excellent air ventilation. 

When your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, keep them away from other dogs until they’ve fully recovered. This helps prevent the spreading of the infection, as kennel cough is easily transmitted between dogs through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.

Can a vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?

A vaccinated dog isn’t 100% protected from kennel cough, and there is still the risk of infection. Still, the chances that they can contract kennel cough are extremely low compared to unvaccinated pets. This is why vaccination is crucial, especially if they have high-risk exposure.

Conclusion

Kennel cough is not something you should be too worried about. It is similar to a human cough that can happen at any time. But keep in mind that any mild illness can progress into a severe disease, especially if your dog isn’t cared for properly while it recovers from kennel cough.

You can ask your veterinarian to administer a kennel cough vaccine for your dog to protect it against illness. However, this will still depend on various factors like your dog’s lifestyle and current health condition.

Lastly, remember that a healthy dog with a strong immune system will have a better chance of fending off the causes of kennel cough. Give your dog nutritious food, enough physical exercise, and a clean, well-maintained living space. This will help lower its chances of contracting kennel cough.