Kennel Cough & Your Dog: What Pet Parents Should Know for the Summer Season
As summer begins and more dogs head off to daycare or overnight boarding, pet parents should be aware of a contagious illness that’s especially common this time of year: kennel cough. Whether you’re planning a trip or frequenting the dog park, being informed is key to keeping your pet safe.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, formally known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that primarily affects dogs in group settings. Commonly caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, it’s transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, like a quick nose bump with another dog. Dogs often pick it up in boarding kennels, dog parks, grooming facilities, or daycare environments, where air circulation and close quarters increase the spread. Think of it as the dog equivalent of a common cold.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Kennel cough can range from mild to more severe. If your dog displays any of the signs below, consult your vet:
- Vomiting (typically due to forceful coughing)
- Persistent coughing, sneezing, or gagging
- Eye or nasal discharge (green or yellow)
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy (reduced activity or seeming sleepy)
If your dog is exhibiting difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or stops eating or drinking entirely, it’s a red flag – seek veterinary care immediately.
Diagnosing Kennel Cough
Diagnosis generally begins with a comprehensive physical examination by your veterinarian. They will likely perform auscultation, listening to your dog’s lungs and airways with a stethoscope, and consider their symptoms and history of contact with other dogs. To rule out other conditions or complications, your vet may recommend:
- Chest X-rays to look for signs of pneumonia
- PCR swab testing (nasal or throat) for identifying infectious agents
- Bloodwork to assess immune system response and exclude other causes
While PCR results may take several days, they are often used in complex or non-responsive cases. Prompt treatment should be initiated as soon as symptoms are observed.
Treatment Options for Kennel Cough
Most mild cases resolve with basic supportive care – rest, isolation, and cough suppressants. If a bacterial infection is suspected, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Common options include:
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Clavamox)
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
If your dog isn’t a fan of oral medication, a long-lasting injectable like Convenia may be used instead. Symptoms often clear within 10 to 14 days, though medications are usually continued for at least five days after symptoms subside. If your pet isn’t improving, your vet should perform a follow-up exam and possibly additional testing.
More serious cases, particularly in young puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs, may require hospitalization. Treatment in these cases could involve oxygen therapy, IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids, nebulization with bronchodilators, and nutritional support, alongside more intensive IV antibiotics.
Is It Preventable?
Yes, partially. The most effective preventive measure is the Bordetella vaccine, which protects against the primary bacterium associated with kennel cough. Though it doesn’t guard against every possible pathogen, it dramatically lowers the likelihood of infection and severity of symptoms. Some boarding facilities and veterinarians recommend boosters every six months, particularly for pets who often visit dog parks or group care environments. Dogs sold from pet stores are particularly vulnerable due to stressful travel and dense housing environments.
Is Kennel Cough Dangerous?
In the majority of healthy dogs, kennel cough is not life-threatening and resolves quickly with proper care. That said, complications can develop, especially in pets with underlying conditions. Occasionally, kennel cough can progress to bacterial pneumonia or cause drops in blood sugar, which can be serious. It may also lead to chronic bronchitis in some dogs, with lingering inflammation and coughing that lasts well after the infection itself has cleared.
Don’t Confuse It With These Conditions
Kennel cough shares symptoms with several other illnesses and health issues. These include:
- Canine influenza, adenovirus, or parainfluenza
- Distemper or pneumonia
- Allergies or environmental irritants (like smoke or pollution)
- Collapsing trachea or aspiration pneumonia
- Heart failure or heartworm disease
- Foreign objects in the airway
That’s why accurate diagnosis is so important. Keeping your dog’s DAPPV vaccination (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) currently adds another layer of protection. If your pet doesn’t improve with standard antibiotics, your vet will likely pursue further diagnostic testing to identify the real issue.
Is It Contagious to Humans?
Thankfully, no. Kennel cough is not zoonotic, which means it doesn’t spread to humans. However, it is highly contagious among dogs, so infected pets should be kept isolated until they’ve fully recovered. If other dogs in your household begin to show signs of illness, they should also be evaluated by a vet. The illness does not affect cats or other exotic pets.
Wrapping Up
If you’re traveling this summer and your pup will be spending time at a kennel or daycare, it’s a good idea to double-check that they’re up to date on their Bordetella vaccine. Preventive care is your best defense against kennel cough, especially during peak travel months.
And if something doesn’t seem right or symptoms start to appear, don’t wait – reach out to your vet team. We’re always here to support your pet’s health.