Kennel Cough: What Pet Parents Should Know This Summer
From Your Veterinary Care Team
As we head into summer and pet parents prepare for boarding, daycare, and more time at dog parks, we see a seasonal increase in one of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs: kennel cough. While usually mild, this condition can lead to complications if not addressed early—and it’s something we frequently diagnose and treat in our clinic. Here’s what you should know to protect your dog.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory infection that spreads quickly between dogs, particularly in group settings. It’s most often caused by a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica, and it spreads through respiratory droplets—from coughing, sneezing, or even brief nose-to-nose contact.
Your dog is most at risk in shared spaces like kennels, grooming salons, doggie daycare, and dog parks. Many people refer to kennel cough as the “common cold” in dogs because it’s widespread and easily transmitted.
Signs to Watch For
If your dog starts acting a little off, especially after a stay at a boarding facility or playgroup, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Persistent coughing, gagging, or sneezing
- Vomiting that’s typically caused by prolonged coughing
- Lethargy (a sleepy, groggy, or less energetic dog)
- Eye or nasal discharge—often yellow or green
- Reduced appetite or interest in food
If your dog stops eating or drinking, has difficulty breathing, or becomes extremely lethargic, these may be signs of a more serious complication and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?
At our clinic, we often diagnose kennel cough based on clinical signs and a physical exam. During the visit, we’ll perform an auscultation—listening to your dog’s lungs and airways with a stethoscope—and ask about recent exposure to other dogs.
In some cases, additional diagnostics may be recommended:
- Chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia
- Bloodwork to check immune response and exclude other infections
- PCR testing (via nasal or throat swab), particularly for dogs with prolonged symptoms or unresponsive cases
While PCR results may take several days, we typically begin treatment based on exam findings and history. Starting treatment early is key to recovery.
Treatment Options
For dogs with mild kennel cough, treatment may include rest, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatories to soothe irritated throats. If a bacterial component is suspected or confirmed, your veterinarian may prescribe:
- Doxycycline
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Clavamox)
- Azithromycin
For dogs who don’t tolerate oral medication well, we may use an injectable antibiotic such as Convenia, which offers long-acting relief.
Most dogs recover within 10 to 14 days, though we often continue medications for several days after symptoms resolve. If symptoms persist or worsen, we’ll want to perform a progress recheck and possibly additional tests to rule out complications.
In more serious cases—especially involving puppies, senior pets, or dogs with weakened immune systems—more advanced treatment may be needed. This could include oxygen therapy, IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids, nebulization treatments, and more aggressive IV antibiotics.
Can It Be Prevented?
While no vaccine offers complete protection, the Bordetella vaccine protects against the most common cause of kennel cough. It significantly reduces the risk of infection and often leads to milder symptoms if your dog is exposed.
For dogs who visit group play environments often, some veterinarians recommend booster vaccinations every 6 months. Puppies from pet stores are often at higher risk due to transportation and shared housing stress.
Talk to us about your dog’s lifestyle—we’ll help determine the right vaccine schedule.
Is It Dangerous?
In healthy dogs, kennel cough is rarely serious and often resolves with proper treatment. However, it can lead to more significant problems like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or, in rare cases, low blood sugar—especially in vulnerable dogs.
In some dogs, coughing may linger even after the infection clears, requiring additional treatment to manage ongoing airway inflammation.
Other Possible Causes of Coughing
Coughing can signal a range of health conditions, so we always evaluate for other causes, especially when symptoms don’t improve. These may include:
- Pneumonia, distemper, or valley fever
- Canine influenza, adenovirus, or parainfluenza
- Heart failure or heartworm disease
- Foreign bodies in the trachea
- Collapsing trachea or megaesophagus aspiration
- Environmental irritants like smoke or allergens
Keeping your dog’s DAPPV vaccine up to date (which covers Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) helps prevent some of these diseases. If your dog doesn’t respond to treatment as expected, we’ll adjust the plan and investigate further.
Can Humans or Other Pets Catch It?
Kennel cough is not zoonotic, so you don’t need to worry about it spreading to people. However, it is highly contagious among dogs. If one of your pets is sick, they should be isolated from other dogs until fully recovered.
Monitor other pets in your home closely, and reach out to us if they begin showing symptoms. Cats and exotic pets are not at risk of contracting kennel cough.
Final Thoughts from Our Team
If your dog is heading to a boarding facility or daycare this summer, check in with us to ensure their Bordetella vaccine is current. Prevention is a simple, cost-effective way to reduce your dog’s risk.
And remember, we’re here for you. Whether it’s a mild cough or something more serious, our veterinary team is always happy to help. Give us a call if you notice symptoms or just want to discuss your pet’s protection plan.
Dr. Shayla Fleming, DVM
Dr. Shayla Fleming is from Phoenix, Arizona and has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a kid. She grew up with dogs, birds, reptiles, and fish! She graduated from Aurora University in Illinois with dual bachelor degrees in Biology and health science. She moved back to Arizona to attend Midwestern University for Veterinary School and enjoys being in the sun again. She has a dog named Jack, a bird named Flynn, and a tortoise named Ralph. In her free time she enjoys hiking, going to the lake, and reading.