What is kennel cough in dogs?

Infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by multiple agents (Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2 and others). It spreads easily in kennels, dog parks, grooming salons and vet clinics.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

A dry, forceful, repetitive cough — like a honking sound or as if the dog is trying to dislodge something from the throat. Often ending in retching or the expulsion of white mucus. Most dogs remain alert and maintain a good appetite.

How does kennel cough spread?

Through aerosols when coughing, direct contact with nasal or oral secretions, and contaminated surfaces. Incubation period: 2-14 days. An infected dog can shed the pathogen for weeks after recovery.

Does kennel cough need antibiotics?

Mild cases resolve on their own in 1-3 weeks without antibiotics. Antibiotics (doxycycline, azithromycin) are used in moderate-severe cases, puppies, immunosuppressed dogs or when Bordetella is suspected. Always under vet prescription.

Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Contagion and Treatment

What Is Infectious Tracheobronchitis?

Kennel cough is the canine equivalent of a cold or flu — an upper respiratory tract infection usually caused by multiple agents acting synergistically: the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is the best known, but viruses such as Canine Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, Canine Respiratory Coronavirus and Canine Influenza Virus also play a role. In most healthy dogs, the disease is self-limiting.

Symptoms

Dry, forceful, repetitive cough: the cardinal symptom. Sounds like a "goose honk" or as though the dog is trying to vomit or cough something up.
Retching and expulsion of white foam or mucus at the end of coughing bouts.
Sneezing and nasal discharge.
Most dogs remain in good general condition: eating, drinking and playing normally.

🚨 Red flags — see a vet urgently:

High fever (>39.5 °C / 103.1 °F).
Extreme lethargy, anorexia.
Breathing difficulty (rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, blue gums).
Productive cough with green or yellow mucus.
Puppies under 4 months or immunosuppressed dogs.

Contagion and Quarantine

Kennel cough spreads by coughing aerosols, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Incubation: 2-14 days. Keep your infected dog away from other dogs for at least 2 weeks after symptoms resolve — they can still shed the pathogen for weeks.

Treatment

Mild cases: rest, harness instead of collar (to avoid tracheal pressure), saline nebulisation. Spontaneous resolution in 1-3 weeks.
Moderate-severe cases: antibiotic (doxycycline 5-10 mg/kg/12h, 10-14 days), sometimes antitussives (butorphanol) to reduce irritation.
Bronchopneumonia: hospitalisation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, oxygen therapy if needed.

Vaccination

The intranasal vaccine (Bordetella + Parainfluenza) is the most effective — fast local immunity (3-5 days). The injectable vaccine is slower but also valid. Recommended or required for dogs in boarding kennels, daycares, dog parks and shelters. Not 100 % protective but reduces severity and duration.