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

A dog suddenly developing a loud, hacking cough can be alarming.

It may sound as though something is stuck in their throat, and some dogs cough so forcefully that they gag afterwards.

Kennel cough is one possible cause. Despite the name, your dog does not have to have stayed in kennels to catch it.

Dogs can pick up the infections associated with kennel cough anywhere they come into close contact with other dogs, including daycare, training classes, grooming environments, dog shows and everyday social contact.

Most otherwise healthy dogs recover well, but you shouldn’t automatically diagnose a cough as kennel cough at home.

Other reasons dogs cough, and puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs who are already unwell can sometimes become more seriously affected.

Important: I am a professional dog walker with an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid, not a veterinary surgeon. This guide is for general awareness and does not replace veterinary advice.

Quick summary

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection, not a single disease.

A dog with kennel cough may:

• Develop a dry or hacking cough
• Gag or retch after coughing
• Sneeze
• Have some nasal or eye discharge
• Otherwise seem relatively normal in a mild case

Some dogs become more unwell and may lose their appetite, become lethargic, develop a temperature or have difficulty breathing.

Call your veterinary practice for advice if your dog develops a significant or persistent cough, particularly if they appear unwell.

Keep a coughing dog away from other dogs and tell your vet that your dog is coughing before arriving at the surgery.

You can find more general health information in my Dog Health & First Aid Guide.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is the familiar name for a contagious respiratory infection in dogs.

You may also see terms such as canine infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory disease used.

Importantly, it is not caused by one single germ.

Different viruses and bacteria can be involved, sometimes in combination. One bacterium commonly associated with kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica. (

That is one reason why two dogs described as having kennel cough may not experience exactly the same illness.

Many otherwise healthy dogs develop an irritating cough but remain fairly bright.

Others can become considerably more unwell.

Does my dog have to visit kennels to catch kennel cough?

No.

The name is rather misleading.

Kennels can provide ideal conditions for respiratory infections to spread because several dogs may share the same airspace and environment.

But dogs can potentially be exposed anywhere they spend time close to other dogs.

The Royal Veterinary College specifically lists environments such as doggy daycare, groomers and places where dogs regularly sniff and greet one another.

That means a dog who has never been boarded can still develop kennel cough.

How does kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough can spread in several ways.

Through the air

Respiratory droplets produced by coughing and close contact can spread infection between dogs.

Direct contact

Close nose-to-nose interaction can help respiratory infections move between dogs.

Contaminated items and surfaces

Shared water bowls, food bowls, toys, leads and other contaminated objects can contribute to spread.

This is another reason I would not assume that avoiding boarding kennels completely removes the risk.

How quickly do symptoms appear?

Symptoms do not necessarily appear immediately after a dog has been exposed.

Veterinary sources describe an incubation period of approximately two to fourteen days.

That means it may not be obvious exactly where or when your dog encountered the infection.

It also makes outbreaks difficult to control because dogs may have mixed with others before their owner realises anything is wrong.

What does kennel cough sound like?

The classic sign is a forceful, dry or 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 making a honking sound

Coughing can be followed by gagging, swallowing or occasionally bringing up mucus.

Some owners initially think their dog is choking.

If you genuinely think something is obstructing your dog’s airway or they are struggling to breathe, however, treat that as an emergency rather than assuming it is kennel cough.

My Dog Health & First Aid Guide explains some of the warning signs that need urgent veterinary help.

What other symptoms can kennel cough cause?

In a straightforward case, coughing may be the main symptom and the dog may otherwise appear reasonably well.

Some dogs can also have:

• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Eye discharge

More significant illness can include:

• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Increased effort when breathing

Puppies, older dogs and dogs who are already unwell can be more vulnerable to complications. The Royal Veterinary College also identifies brachycephalic dogs among those in which illness can potentially become more serious.

Not every cough is kennel cough

This is an important point.

A cough does not automatically equal kennel cough.

Dogs can cough for many different reasons.

Some are relatively minor. Others involve the airways, lungs or heart and need veterinary investigation.

That is why I would be cautious about diagnosing kennel cough just because a dog’s cough sounds like a video you found online.

If your dog develops a cough that concerns you, contact your veterinary practice and describe what you are seeing.

If possible, recording a short video of the cough can sometimes be useful information to show your vet.

My Does My Dog Need a Vet? guide looks more broadly at changes and symptoms that warrant veterinary attention.

When should I contact my vet?

PDSA advises contacting your vet if you think your dog has kennel cough and recommends veterinary assessment where coughing is severe or continues for more than a few days.

I would also seek prompt veterinary advice if your dog:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Is breathing with noticeably increased effort
• Becomes very lethargic
• Stops eating
• Seems significantly unwell
• Has collapsed
• Is a very young puppy
• Is elderly or medically vulnerable
• Has a known heart or respiratory condition
• Is getting worse rather than gradually improving

Difficulty breathing or collapse is an emergency.

Phone before taking a coughing dog into the vet

If your dog is coughing, tell the veterinary practice before you arrive.

They may ask you to wait outside, in your car or somewhere away from the normal waiting room.

That helps reduce the possibility of exposing other dogs, particularly puppies or medically vulnerable animals, to a contagious respiratory infection. PDSA and the Royal Veterinary College both advise alerting the practice in advance. (PDSA)

How is kennel cough diagnosed?

There is not necessarily one simple test that confirms every case of kennel cough.

Your vet will consider your dog’s symptoms, recent contact with other dogs and their general health.

In straightforward cases, that may be sufficient.

If your dog is unusually unwell, symptoms are persistent or complications are suspected, your vet may recommend further investigation.

That decision belongs with the veterinary professional examining your dog.

Does kennel cough need antibiotics?

Not automatically.

Because kennel cough can involve viruses as well as bacteria, antibiotics are not appropriate for every case.

PDSA says that most dogs recover at home without medication and antibiotics are only rarely needed in straightforward cases. Your vet may recommend treatment where the dog’s individual circumstances warrant it. (PDSA)

This is another good reason not to use leftover medication or somebody else’s antibiotics.

Always follow your vet’s instructions.

How long does kennel cough last?

Many uncomplicated cases improve within approximately one to three weeks.

Some coughs can persist for longer.

The Royal Veterinary College notes that kennel cough can occasionally linger for considerably longer than three weeks.

If your dog’s cough is not improving, is getting worse or they develop other symptoms, contact your vet rather than simply waiting indefinitely.

Caring for a dog with kennel cough

Follow the advice your veterinary practice gives you for your individual dog.

For many uncomplicated cases, home care largely means rest, monitoring and giving the respiratory system time to recover.

Give them time to rest

Coughing is tiring.

A dog who normally expects several energetic walks may temporarily need considerably less activity.

Let them rest somewhere comfortable and quiet.

Keep monitoring them

Pay attention to more than the cough.

Notice:

• Appetite
• Drinking
• Energy levels
• Breathing
• Behaviour
• Whether the cough is improving or worsening

Knowing what is normal for your dog makes small changes easier to notice.

Avoid irritating the throat

Pressure around the throat can provoke coughing in some dogs.

The Royal Veterinary College recommends avoiding collar pressure and using a harness where suitable while a dog is recovering.

A correctly fitted harness is already my preferred walking setup for many of the dogs I work with.

Do not experiment with human cough medicines

Do not give your dog human cough medicines, painkillers or other medication unless your veterinary professional specifically tells you to.

The previous version of this article also suggested various home remedies.

I have removed those recommendations.

I would rather advise you to speak to your vet than suggest a kitchen-cupboard treatment for a respiratory condition I cannot diagnose.

Should I walk my dog if they have kennel cough?

This is not the time for normal walks around busy dog areas.

Exercise can aggravate coughing, and taking an infectious dog into places used by other dogs increases the chance of passing the illness on.

Your dog still needs appropriate toilet opportunities, but their activity may need to be temporarily reduced and managed according to veterinary advice.

For some dogs this might mean very brief toilet outings away from others rather than their usual walk.

A few quieter days will not undo your dog’s fitness.

Recovery matters more than reaching a step count.

Keep your dog away from other dogs

This is one of the most important practical points.

Do not take a dog you suspect has kennel cough to:

• Group dog walks
• Daycare
• Training classes
• Dog parks
• Grooming appointments
• Boarding kennels
• Busy areas where close dog contact is likely

PDSA advises keeping affected dogs away from other dogs and public spaces while symptoms are present and for two to three weeks afterwards because dogs may continue spreading infection after the cough has stopped. (PDSA)

Follow your vet’s advice for your particular dog before returning to normal activities.

What about other dogs in the household?

Because kennel cough spreads easily between dogs, other dogs in the household may already have been exposed before the first dog starts coughing.

Watch them closely for symptoms.

Do not assume they will definitely become ill, but speak to your vet if you are concerned, particularly if another dog is elderly, very young or medically vulnerable.

Can dogs be vaccinated against kennel cough?

Yes.

A kennel cough vaccine is available and may be recommended depending on your dog’s lifestyle and risk.

Dogs who regularly mix with many other dogs, attend daycare, go into boarding kennels, attend shows or take part in other high-contact activities may be more likely to benefit.

PDSA advises discussing the vaccine with your veterinary practice and says kennel cough vaccination is generally repeated annually while a dog remains at risk.

Some boarding facilities have their own vaccination requirements, so check well in advance of a planned stay.

Can a vaccinated dog still get kennel cough?

Yes.

Vaccination does not guarantee that a dog will never develop kennel cough.

That is partly because several different infectious agents can contribute to the syndrome.

However, vaccination can reduce the likelihood of infection and can reduce the severity of illness if a vaccinated dog becomes infected.

So a vaccinated dog developing a cough should not automatically rule out kennel cough.

Can my dog catch kennel cough more than once?

Yes.

Because different infectious agents and strains can be involved, recovering once does not necessarily provide lifelong protection.

The Royal Veterinary College notes that dogs can experience kennel cough more than once.

Are puppies more at risk?

Puppies can be more vulnerable to respiratory infections, particularly while their immune system is still developing.

If a puppy begins coughing, I would contact the vet rather than assuming it will simply pass.

The same cautious approach applies to elderly dogs and animals with significant health problems.

What I do if a dog I walk starts coughing

As a professional dog walker, I do not diagnose kennel cough.

If a dog I am caring for unexpectedly starts coughing or appears unwell, my job is to notice the change and respond appropriately.

Depending on the circumstances, that may mean:

• Stopping or shortening the walk
• Moving away from other dogs
• Monitoring breathing and behaviour
• Contacting the owner
• Following the agreed veterinary emergency plan if necessary

I provide one-to-one dog walks, which means I don’t deliberately mix unrelated dogs into a walking group.

That can reduce some forms of close dog-to-dog contact during my service, but it does not make a dog immune to contagious illness.

Dogs encounter other dogs and contaminated environments in many parts of everyday life.

If your dog has developed a contagious illness, please tell me before their next scheduled walk so we can make an appropriate plan.

You can also read my comparison of solo dog walks and group dog walks if you are deciding which type of walking arrangement suits your dog.

Frequently asked questions

Can kennel cough spread without dogs touching?

Yes.

Respiratory droplets and contaminated objects can contribute to transmission, so direct physical contact is not always necessary.

My dog is vaccinated. Can they still get kennel cough?

Yes. Vaccination reduces risk and may reduce severity, but it does not provide 100% protection.

Does kennel cough always require antibiotics?

No.

Many uncomplicated cases recover without antibiotics. Treatment depends on the individual dog and the cause and severity of the illness.

Can I still take my coughing dog to the park if I avoid other dogs?

I would not.

PDSA advises keeping dogs with kennel cough away from other dogs and public spaces while they are symptomatic and for two to three weeks afterwards. Follow your own vet’s advice about when normal walks can resume.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

Transmission to humans is considered extremely rare. PDSA advises anyone concerned about their own health to seek medical advice rather than relying on pet-health information.

Should I take my coughing dog straight into the veterinary waiting room?

Phone first.

Tell the practice your dog is coughing so they can decide how you should arrive and wait without unnecessarily exposing other dogs.

A cough is worth paying attention to

Kennel cough is common, and many dogs recover uneventfully.

That does not mean you should dismiss every cough as kennel cough.

Learn what is normal for your dog, watch for changes in their general health and ask your veterinary practice for advice when something does not look right.

If kennel cough is suspected, give your dog time to recover and keep them away from other dogs so the infection is not unnecessarily passed around.

For more practical health information, visit my Dog Health & First Aid Guide and Does My Dog Need a Vet?

Veterinary disclaimer

I am a professional dog walker and hold an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid. I am not a veterinary surgeon.

This guide provides general health awareness only. It does not diagnose kennel cough or any other condition and should not replace veterinary advice specific to your dog.

If your dog develops breathing difficulties, collapses, becomes significantly unwell or you are otherwise worried about them, contact a veterinary professional promptly.