Understanding Kennel Cough in Dogs with Dr. Ayeley Okine

What is Kennel Cough?

We tend to associate kennel cough more with the bacteria Bordetella. But it's actually a collection of upper respiratory diseases that we can see in dogs. A number of other viruses and bacteria can make it up, but we traditionally think about it as an infectious upper respiratory condition.

How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?

Dogs get kennel cough through contact with other pets in a number of ways, which can include the following:

• Boarding kennels
• Doggie daycare
• Passing other dogs on a walk
• Sharing water bowls
• Transmitted on handlers' clothing

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Eye discharge

Does Kennel Cough Go Away On Its Own, Or Should It Be Treated?

It can go away on its own. Bordetella, which is the more common bacteria that contributes to kennel cough, is usually self-limiting, and clears up within about two weeks. Most of the time, people don't let it get to that point because the coughing is very annoying for both the pet and the parents, so they're taking their dog to the vet.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

The big signs to watch out for that could indicate something more serious include:

• Bringing up material from their lungs when they cough
• Labored breathing
• Fever
• Not eating or drinking
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose

These could indicate a more complicated infection, pneumonia, or something else going on. But the bottom line is, if you're concerned, you should go to the vet.

How is Kennel Cough Treated?

An antibiotic can be given if we think it's Bordetella, but antibiotics aren't going to help with a viral infection. So it's really giving it time and supportive care, and treating the symptoms. Your vet may give a cough suppressant, but there's some concern that if your dog is coughing up material and you suppress that, could it lead to pneumonia? So that depends on your vet. They may also use medications to stimulate the appetite if your pet's not eating great.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

Usually, it's about two weeks from beginning to end. In some scenarios, your dog may actually be infectious and have the virus or bacteria before they start to show clinical symptoms. So it could be a little bit longer than that. But usually, they have symptoms for about 10 to 14 days or so.

How Serious is Kennel Cough?

Usually, kennel cough is kind of like our common cold. It's very contagious, but most pets that have a competent immune system will clear it without an issue. The big thing is that once you know that they are coughing and that they're contagious, you want to keep them out of doggy daycare. You don't want to expose them to other pets that may have other conditions that might make it more severe.

If your pet is immunocompromised or on medications that suppress the immune system, it may allow that infection to go deeper into the lungs and become pneumonia. It could end up being life-threatening if it does turn into pneumonia or if it's not truly kennel cough and it's some other infectious agent that can go other places in the body — that's when it would be more serious.

How Long is Kennel Cough Contagious?

After they've had symptoms, I usually recommend at least a week to stay away from other dogs to make sure they fully clear it. Most reputable doggie daycares require dogs to be vaccinated as a prerequisite to having them there. Those pets have a less likely chance of actually picking it up there. But there are always situations where one of those pets might be exposed to another dog that isn't vaccinated. They still could get it or transmit it even if they're vaccinated, it just decreases the likelihood of them getting it.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Kennel Cough?

Other than vaccinating your dog for kennel cough, the main thing is to minimize exposure to unvaccinated dogs or dogs for whom you don't know their vaccination status. Socialization is great, but you also want to be responsible about who you're letting your dog come into contact with. Ideally, it would be people you trust, pets that you know, or at least pets that you know are vaccinated, to try to minimize that spread.

CareCredit Financing for Kennel Cough

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications, and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Apply today and continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Ayeley Okine

Dr. Ayeley Okine is a board-certified veterinarian who has been practicing in San Ramon, California for more than six years and used to work at a large specialty hospital as part of the Internal medicine department. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Delaware and is a graduate of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a general internship, Internal Medicine Internship, and Internal Medicine Residency before becoming board-certified. Her interests are in gastrointestinal and immune-mediated blood diseases.

In 2021, she started her own mobile veterinary ultrasound business to help provide imaging services to more pets in need. Dr. Okine uses her ultrasound skill set to provide diagnoses and treatment plans for her colleagues. She is a proponent of the human-animal bond and believes in strong communication with clients and collaborative care with other veterinarians.

Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist with eight years of experience. Her work has appeared on Hill's Pet, Chewy and AKC.org, and more.