Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Spread and When to Call Your Vet

Kennel cough is a common name for a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs.

Despite its name, a dog does not need to stay in kennels to catch it. Infection can spread wherever dogs meet, share spaces or use contaminated equipment.

Many dogs develop a distinctive hacking cough while remaining otherwise reasonably bright. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with existing health problems may become more unwell or develop complications.

Coughing can also have causes other than kennel cough, so contact your veterinary practice for advice rather than diagnosing the problem yourself.

Tell the receptionist that your dog is coughing before attending the practice. They may ask you to wait outside or use a different entrance to reduce the risk of spreading infection to other dogs. PDSA specifically advises warning the practice before arrival. (PDSA)

What should I do when my dog starts coughing?

Contact your veterinary practice for advice when your dog develops a persistent or severe cough.

While waiting for veterinary guidance:

• Keep your dog away from other dogs
• Avoid parks, classes, groomers, daycare and boarding facilities
• Cancel dog-walking and pet-care appointments
• Allow your dog to rest
• Avoid vigorous exercise
• Keep water available
• Record a video of the cough where possible
• Note when the coughing began
• Tell the vet about any other symptoms
• Do not give human cough medicine
• Do not rely on honey, peppermint or another home remedy as treatment

Contact your vet immediately when your dog is having difficulty breathing or experiences a coughing fit that will not stop. (PDSA)

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is not one single infection caused by one particular germ.

The term describes an infectious respiratory condition that may involve several viruses and bacteria.

It affects the airways and commonly causes a dry, forceful cough.

PDSA explains that kennel cough can be caused by several different infectious agents and may spread through the air, direct contact and contaminated surfaces.

You may also hear terms such as:

• Infectious tracheobronchitis
• Canine infectious respiratory disease
• Canine infectious respiratory disease complex

Owners do not need to identify the specific organism themselves.

Your veterinary practice will decide whether examination, testing or treatment is appropriate.

Does kennel cough only come from kennels?

No.

Kennels are associated with the condition because many dogs share the same environment, but infection may spread anywhere dogs gather.

Possible locations include:

• Boarding kennels
• Doggy daycare
• Rescue centres
• Training classes
• Dog shows
• Grooming salons
• Veterinary waiting rooms
• Busy parks
• Indoor dog events
• Shared gardens
• Multi-dog households
• Communal water areas
• Group dog walks

A dog may also become infected after relatively brief contact with another dog.

The name can therefore be misleading.

A dog who has never stayed in kennels can still develop kennel cough.

How does kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough may spread through several routes.

Airborne droplets

An infected dog may release infectious droplets when they:

• Cough
• Bark
• Sneeze
• Breathe closely beside another dog

Poorly ventilated and crowded spaces can make transmission easier.

Direct contact

Dogs may spread infection through close contact, including:

• Nose-to-nose greetings
• Play
• Shared sleeping areas
• Close indoor contact
• Living in the same household

Shared objects and surfaces

Infectious material may also be transferred through contaminated items such as:

• Water bowls
• Food bowls
• Leads
• Toys
• Bedding
• Grooming equipment
• Crates
• Hands
• Clothing

PDSA notes that kennel cough can survive in the environment and spread through shared items such as bowls and leads. (PDSA)

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms do not necessarily appear immediately after exposure.

Blue Cross describes an incubation period of approximately two to fourteen days. (Blue Cross)

This means your dog may appear well after meeting another dog and develop a cough several days later.

It also means the exact source of infection may be difficult to identify.

When speaking to your vet, mention recent contact with:

• Kennels
• Daycare
• Training classes
• Groomers
• Rescue dogs
• Group walks
• Dog events
• Veterinary practices
• Coughing dogs

Do not blame a particular business or dog without evidence.

The dog may have encountered the infection before the most obvious recent contact.

What does kennel cough sound like?

The most recognised sign is a forceful, hacking cough.

Owners sometimes describe it as sounding as though:

• Something is stuck in the dog’s throat
• The dog is trying to clear their throat
• The dog is retching
• The dog is honking
• The dog is about to be sick

The cough may be followed by:

• Gagging
• Swallowing
• Retching
• Bringing up mucus
• A small amount of white foam

A coughing episode can look alarming even when the dog remains bright between episodes.

However, kennel cough cannot be diagnosed reliably from the sound alone.

Other conditions may cause coughing, gagging or noisy breathing.

PDSA recommends recording a video of the episode for your vet because coughing can be confused with sneezing, reverse sneezing and gagging. (PDSA)

What other symptoms can kennel cough cause?

Many dogs remain reasonably well apart from the cough.

Other possible signs include:

• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Eye discharge
• Reduced appetite
• Lower energy
• A raised temperature
• Difficulty settling because of coughing
• Coughing after excitement or movement

Puppies, older dogs and dogs with existing illness may be more likely to develop significant symptoms or complications such as pneumonia.

Contact your veterinary practice when your dog appears generally unwell rather than assuming it is a mild case.

When is coughing an emergency?

Contact a veterinary practice immediately when your dog:

• Struggles to breathe
• Has rapid or laboured breathing
• Experiences a coughing fit that will not stop
• Has pale, grey or blue gums
• Collapses
• Becomes very weak
• Appears confused or unresponsive
• Cannot stand normally
• Has severe distress
• May have something lodged in the throat
• Deteriorates rapidly

Do not wait for a routine appointment when your dog cannot breathe normally.

PDSA advises immediate veterinary contact for breathing problems or an uncontrollable coughing fit. (PDSA)

Read my Dog First Aid Guide for broader emergency preparation.

When should I call the vet about a cough?

Telephone your veterinary practice when:

• The cough is severe
• Coughing continues for more than a few days
• Your dog appears unwell
• Appetite is reduced
• Energy is noticeably lower
• Your dog has a raised temperature
• There is nasal or eye discharge
• Breathing has changed
• Your dog is a young puppy
• Your dog is elderly
• Your dog has heart, lung or immune-system problems
• Your dog has recently stayed in kennels
• Several dogs in the household are coughing
• You are unsure whether it is coughing, choking or reverse sneezing

Do not walk into a busy waiting room with a coughing dog without warning the practice.

Telephone first and follow their arrival instructions.

Coughing is not always kennel cough

Several conditions can cause coughing in dogs.

These may include:

• Kennel cough
• Another respiratory infection
• Heart disease
• Lungworm
• Chronic airway disease
• Irritation from smoke or sprays
• Tracheal collapse
• A foreign object
• Laryngeal problems
• Lung disease
• Cancer

This does not mean every cough is caused by something serious.

It does mean that repeated coughing should not be diagnosed from an online description.

PDSA lists a wide range of possible causes and explains that treatment depends on the underlying problem. (PDSA)

You may also find my guide to signs your dog may need medical care useful, although a cough still needs individual veterinary advice.

How will the vet diagnose kennel cough?

Your vet may consider:

• The sound and pattern of the cough
• Recent contact with other dogs
• Vaccination history
• Age
• General health
• Appetite
• Temperature
• Heart and lung sounds
• Breathing
• Other symptoms

In a straightforward case, the history and examination may provide enough information.

When the symptoms are more severe, unusual or persistent, the veterinary team may recommend further investigation.

This might include:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-rays
• Swabs
• Airway samples
• Heart investigations
• Other diagnostic tests

The exact approach depends on the individual dog.

How is kennel cough treated?

Many otherwise healthy dogs recover with rest and supportive care.

Some dogs may need veterinary treatment, particularly when:

• The cough is severe
• They appear generally unwell
• A complication is suspected
• They are very young
• They are elderly
• They have another health condition

Treatment must be chosen by the veterinary team.

Depending on the case, a vet may prescribe medication to manage inflammation, discomfort or another identified problem.

Antibiotics are not automatically appropriate for every case because viruses are involved in many kennel-cough infections. PDSA explains that antibiotics are rarely required for uncomplicated cases but may be considered for dogs at greater risk or where a bacterial complication is suspected. (PDSA)

Give medication exactly as prescribed.

Do not:

• Use leftover antibiotics
• Give another dog’s medicine
• Stop treatment early without advice
• Change the dose
• Give human cough medicine
• Give human painkillers
• Add a herbal product without checking first

Should I give honey or peppermint?

The old version of this page recommends raw honey and peppermint in warm water.

Remove that advice.

Honey or another soothing food does not diagnose the cause of a cough or treat the underlying infection.

Peppermint products vary considerably and may contain concentrated oils or ingredients that are unsuitable for dogs.

Do not give:

• Human cough syrup
• Menthol products
• Essential oils
• Peppermint oil
• Vapour rub
• Decongestants
• Human cold medicine
• Unprescribed anti-inflammatory medicine

Ask your veterinary practice before giving anything intended to soothe the throat.

How should I care for my dog at home?

Follow the veterinary team’s instructions.

General supportive arrangements may include the following.

Allow plenty of rest

Excitement and exercise can trigger coughing.

Keep the routine quiet and allow your dog to rest somewhere comfortable.

Avoid:

• Long walks
• Running
• Ball chasing
• Rough play
• Exciting visitors
• Barking games
• Busy outings

Keep water available

Provide access to fresh drinking water unless your vet has given different instructions.

Contact the practice when your dog:

• Stops drinking
• Cannot keep water down
• Appears dehydrated
• Has difficulty swallowing
• Coughs repeatedly when drinking

Avoid smoke and strong sprays

Respiratory irritants may worsen coughing.

Keep your dog away from:

• Cigarette smoke
• Vape aerosols
• Aerosol cleaners
• Air freshener sprays
• Strong perfume
• Dust
• Paint fumes
• Smoke from fires

Keep the room comfortably ventilated without leaving the dog in a cold draught.

Avoid pressure on the throat

A collar may place pressure on the windpipe and trigger coughing.

For essential toilet outings, a comfortable, well-fitting harness may reduce pressure around the neck where your dog normally wears one safely.

Do not introduce unfamiliar equipment while your dog is unwell without considering fit and stress.

Read my guide to choosing dog leads and harnesses.

Keep the routine calm

A dog who feels unwell may want:

• More sleep
• Less handling
• A quieter room
• Shorter toilet trips
• Familiar bedding
• Space from children and other pets

Do not force play, training or enrichment.

Rest is not wasted time.

Can my dog still go for walks?

A dog with suspected or confirmed kennel cough should not continue normal public walks.

Walking through parks or busy streets can:

• Spread infection
• Trigger more coughing
• Delay rest
• Bring the dog into contact with vulnerable animals

Ask your vet how to manage toileting and when normal exercise can resume.

A brief toilet opportunity may still be necessary, but it should be:

• Close to home
• Away from other dogs
• Kept calm
• On a secure lead
• As short as your dog needs

Do not take your dog to:

• Parks
• Off-lead areas
• Dog-friendly cafés
• Training classes
• Group walks
• Daycare
• Grooming appointments
• Kennels
• Dog events

How long should my dog stay away from other dogs?

Follow the advice of your own veterinary practice.

PDSA currently advises keeping affected dogs away from other dogs and public spaces while they are coughing and for two to three weeks after symptoms have stopped. (PDSA)

The correct period may depend on:

• The suspected infection
• Ongoing symptoms
• Veterinary findings
• Other dogs in the household
• The setting your dog intends to return to

Do not decide that your dog is no longer infectious simply because the cough has become quieter.

Ask your vet when they can safely return to:

• Dog walking
• Daycare
• Boarding
• Training
• Grooming
• Social contact
• Public parks

What about other dogs in the household?

Tell your vet when more than one dog lives in your home.

Try to reduce shared use of:

• Bowls
• Toys
• Bedding
• Leads
• Crates
• Grooming equipment

Wash hands after handling the coughing dog.

Clean equipment according to veterinary advice and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not apply strong disinfectants around pets without checking that the product and method are appropriate.

Other dogs may have been exposed before the first dog began coughing.

Monitor them for:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Reduced appetite
• Low energy
• Changes in breathing

Contact the vet if symptoms develop.

Can vaccinated dogs still catch kennel cough?

Yes.

Vaccination can reduce the likelihood or severity of infection, but it does not guarantee that a dog will never develop kennel cough.

There are several possible infectious agents, and no vaccine protects against every cause.

PDSA advises discussing kennel-cough vaccination with your vet, particularly where a dog mixes regularly with others or stays in kennels. It also notes that protection is not complete. (PDSA)

Your veterinary practice can advise whether vaccination is suitable according to your dog’s:

• Age
• Health
• Lifestyle
• Travel
• Boarding plans
• Contact with other dogs
• Previous reactions

Is the kennel-cough vaccine required for boarding?

Many boarding kennels, daycare providers and training facilities require evidence of kennel-cough vaccination.

Requirements vary.

Before booking, ask:

• Which vaccines are required?
• When must they be given?
• How recent must they be?
• Is a waiting period required?
• What proof must be supplied?
• What happens when a dog develops symptoms before arrival?

Do not arrange vaccination at the last minute without checking the facility’s rules and your vet’s advice.

The provider’s licence or policies may also require particular health precautions.

Can vaccination cause mild symptoms?

Some dogs may develop mild, short-lived effects after vaccination.

Your vet should explain what is expected and what would be unusual.

Contact the practice when your dog develops:

• Persistent coughing
• Breathing difficulty
• Facial swelling
• Collapse
• Marked weakness
• A rapidly worsening reaction
• Another symptom that concerns you

Do not assume a new cough is automatically a harmless vaccine reaction.

Are puppies at greater risk?

Puppies may be more vulnerable to complications because their immune system is still developing.

Contact your vet when a puppy develops a cough, especially when they also have:

• Reduced appetite
• Low energy
• Nasal discharge
• Breathing changes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• A raised temperature

Do not take a coughing puppy to a socialisation class, park or puppy group.

Ask your veterinary practice how to continue safe socialisation after the puppy has recovered and completed any advised isolation period.

Read my Bringing a Puppy Home Guide for wider first-year preparation.

Older dogs and dogs with health conditions

Kennel cough may be more concerning in:

• Senior dogs
• Dogs with heart disease
• Dogs with lung disease
• Flat-faced dogs with breathing problems
• Immunocompromised dogs
• Dogs receiving certain medications
• Dogs recovering from surgery
• Dogs who are already unwell

Contact your vet promptly rather than assuming the infection will follow a mild course.

Breathing changes in a dog with an existing heart or respiratory condition need particular attention.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

Human infection is considered extremely rare.

PDSA advises contacting a doctor or the NHS when there is concern about possible human exposure, particularly for someone who is medically vulnerable. (PDSA)

This guide cannot assess human-health risk.

Speak to an appropriate medical professional when a person develops symptoms or has concerns about their health.

What should I tell my dog walker or pet sitter?

Tell your dog walker, groomer, daycare provider, trainer or pet sitter immediately when your dog:

• Develops a cough
• Has been exposed to kennel cough
• Is awaiting veterinary assessment
• Has been diagnosed with an infectious condition
• Has been told to isolate
• Has recently attended a setting where several dogs became ill

Do not wait until they arrive at your home.

Early notice helps the professional protect:

• Your dog
• Other client animals
• Their own pets
• Their equipment
• Their household
• Other people involved in care

My kennel-cough and infectious-illness policy

I provide one-to-one walks and care for one household at a time, but I still move between different client homes.

This means an infectious illness can affect more than one dog even though I do not provide group walks.

Please tell me immediately when your dog:

• Starts coughing
• Has suspected kennel cough
• Has been exposed to an infectious dog
• Has been told to isolate
• Has a veterinary appointment for respiratory symptoms

I may need to:

• Suspend walks
• Postpone a visit
• Avoid entering the property
• Change the care arrangement
• Request veterinary guidance
• Wait until the isolation period has ended
• Clean or quarantine equipment

My Policies and Professional Standards require clients to disclose infectious or potentially contagious illness. They also explain that services may be adapted or suspended until it is safe to continue. (Finchley Dog Walker)

The Finchley Dog Walker Welcome Pack also asks clients to report symptoms of an infectious illness before care begins. (

This is not a punishment or judgement.

It protects your dog, my other clients and the wider local dog community.

How can I reduce the risk?

You cannot remove every possibility of infection.

You can reduce avoidable exposure by:

• Discussing vaccination with your vet
• Checking health requirements before boarding
• Avoiding contact with coughing dogs
• Not sharing bowls with unfamiliar dogs
• Keeping personal water bowls clean
• Cleaning walking and grooming equipment
• Informing professionals promptly when symptoms develop
• Keeping your dog away from public spaces during isolation
• Following the vet’s return-to-normal guidance
• Avoiding crowded dog environments when your dog is medically vulnerable

A clean-looking venue cannot guarantee that no infectious dog has attended.

Vaccination and hygiene reduce risk but do not remove it completely.

Frequently asked questions

Is kennel cough serious?

Many dogs experience a cough and recover with rest.

Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with existing illness may become more unwell or develop complications.

Contact your vet for individual advice.

Does kennel cough clear without treatment?

Some otherwise healthy dogs recover without prescription medication.

A vet should still advise you because coughing has several possible causes and some dogs need treatment.

What does kennel cough sound like?

It often sounds like a forceful, dry or hacking cough and may be followed by gagging or retching.

Record a video for your vet where possible.

Can my dog catch kennel cough without going into kennels?

Yes.

It can spread anywhere dogs mix or share contaminated spaces and equipment.

Can kennel cough spread through the air?

Yes.

Respiratory droplets are one route of transmission.

It can also spread through direct contact and contaminated objects. (PDSA)

Can dogs catch kennel cough from shared water bowls?

Shared bowls are one possible route because infectious material can contaminate surfaces.

Avoid communal bowls while infection is circulating.

Can my dog still go for walks?

Avoid normal public walks and contact with other dogs.

Ask your vet how to manage brief toilet trips and when normal walking can resume.

Should I tell the vet before arriving?

Yes.

Tell the practice that your dog is coughing before you attend so they can reduce exposure to other animals.

Can I give human cough medicine?

No.

Human cough and cold products may contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs.

Only give medication prescribed or approved by your veterinary practice.

Can honey cure kennel cough?

Honey does not diagnose or cure the underlying infection.

Do not use it instead of contacting your vet.

Should I use peppermint water?

No.

Remove the old page’s recommendation.

Peppermint products vary and should not be given as treatment without veterinary approval.

Do dogs need antibiotics?

Not every dog does.

Viruses are involved in many cases, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

Your vet will decide whether antibiotics are appropriate.

Can a vaccinated dog still develop kennel cough?

Yes.

Vaccination reduces risk but does not provide complete protection against every possible cause.

How long is kennel cough contagious?

Follow your vet’s advice.

PDSA advises avoiding dogs and public spaces while the dog is coughing and for two to three weeks afterwards. (PDSA)

Can kennel cough spread to other dogs in my home?

Yes.

Tell your vet that other dogs live in the household and monitor them for symptoms.

Can kennel cough become pneumonia?

Complications can occur, particularly in puppies, older dogs and dogs with existing medical problems. (Blue Cross)

When should I seek emergency help?

Seek immediate veterinary help for breathing difficulty, pale or blue gums, collapse, severe weakness or an uncontrollable coughing fit.

Do not ignore a persistent cough

Kennel cough is often manageable, but coughing should not be dismissed or diagnosed from the sound alone.

Contact your veterinary practice.

Warn them before arriving.

Keep your dog away from other dogs.

Stop public walks and group activities.

Allow your dog to rest.

Do not give human medicines or rely on home remedies.

Follow the veterinary team’s advice about treatment, isolation and returning to normal activity.

For broader guidance, read my Dog First Aid Guide and Is Your Dog in Need of Medical Care?.

Related Finchley Dog Walker guides

• Dog Health and First Aid Guide
• Is Your Dog in Need of Medical Care?
• Bringing a Puppy Home
• Dog Parasites Guide
• Choosing Dog Leads and Harnesses
• Solo Dog Walks in Finchley
• Policies and Professional Standards
• Finchley Dog Walker Welcome Pack

Veterinary disclaimer

This article provides general information about kennel cough and coughing in dogs.

It does not diagnose kennel cough, identify the cause of a cough, prescribe treatment, determine an isolation period or replace advice and examination from a veterinary surgeon.

Diagnosis and treatment must be provided by an appropriately qualified veterinary professional under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

Contact your veterinary practice when your dog develops a persistent or severe cough.

Seek immediate veterinary help for breathing difficulty, pale or blue gums, collapse, severe weakness or a coughing fit that will not stop.