Return to Pet Guides Page

Kennel Cough (acute tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is not a serious disease in most otherwise healthy dogs. However, it is very contagious and will spread rapidly around the dog population. As its name suggests, it causes coughing, which can go on for a month in some cases.

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria including: Canine parainfluenzavirus, Canine adenovirus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Another organism, called Mycoplasma, can also cause kennel cough. These agents get into the body and cause irritation to the windpipe resulting in coughing. It is called kennel cough because it is so infectious that if one dog in a kennel gets it, the cough will spread rapidly through the rest of the dogs there.

Why do my local kennels and my groomer insist that my dog is vaccinated against kennel cough?

Good kennels and groomers will insist that your dog is vaccinated against this disease before agreeing to take them for boarding to prevent the spread of the disease through other dogs in the kennel. Even if your dog is fit and healthy and would not suffer as a result of catching kennel cough, there may be older or more vulnerable dogs staying in the kennels at the same time. In a grooming situation, the conditions are prime for spread of the disease -- a warm, humid environment with lots of air blown around by dryers. The protection given by the vaccination only lasts for about 12 months so most dogs are vaccinated annually. Furthermore, we don't currently have a vaccine against Mycoplasma, so even vaccinated dogs are not 100% protected. Ask your veterinarian for details of which of the agents that can cause kennel cough your dog is protected against before putting your dog in kennels.

What are the signs of kennel cough?

As its name suggests, this condition causes a cough. Most dogs are not really ill when they have the disease although occasionally they have a high temperature and are a bit "out of sorts" for a day or two. The cough is dry and hacking and it often sounds as if your dog is choking on something stuck in his throat. The cough gets worse for a few days and then gradually goes away after about 3 weeks.

How will my veterinarian know what is wrong with my dog?

Your veterinarian will probably know what is wrong with your dog from your description of the symptoms. Further tests are rarely required.

Is there any treatment for the cough?

There is no treatment, which will make your dog get better more quickly. In most cases, a dog's immune system will clear the infection with time. In rare cases, the infection may spread to the chest, and the dog may then require hospitalization for fluids and antibiotics. Sometimes even with mild cases, your veterinarian may prescribe some antibiotic tablets. However, these will not stop the coughing more quickly, nor will they make it safe for your dog to mix with other dogs. Your veterinarian may prescribe some cough medicine to make the coughing less severe, and this is normally given if your dog is having particularly severe coughing fits or to allow your pet to rest at night. In most other cases, it is OK to allow the dog to cough, because coughing helps to clear the trachea and large airways of the mucus build-up caused by the infection.

Is there anything else I can do to help?

Just as in people with a cold, coughing is brought on by exercise, excitement and exposure to cold air. If your dog has kennel cough, you should keep it in a warm environment (where possible) and try not to exercise it too much. Avoid situations where your dog is likely to bark, as this is highly likely to cause coughing. If your dog normally wears a collar, take this off to stop it from irritating his throat and exercise him outside with a harness or halter and leash. Above all be responsible - remember that other dogs are at risk of catching the infection from your dog. Do not take him to places where he is likely to meet other dogs (particularly in closed spaces like dog training classes) while he is still coughing and for a few days after.

Will my dog get better?

Most dogs recover quickly from kennel cough. A young, otherwise healthy dog should not be ill with the disease, and the cough should get better within 2-3 weeks. Very young or old dogs and dogs with other diseases may be much more severely affected by kennel cough. It would be very unusual indeed for a dog to die as a direct result of catching kennel cough.

How can I stop my dog from getting kennel cough?

There are several vaccines available which can protect your dog against the different viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough. Many of these vaccines were traditionally given as drops into the nose, although some are available as injections too. Ask your veterinarian for details if you are not sure which diseases your dog is protected against.

Click here to download a personal copy of this guide.

Return to Pet Guides Page