Kennel Cough: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Kennel cough is one of the most recognized respiratory illnesses in dogs—but despite its name, it isn't only found in kennels. Dogs can pick it up anywhere they interact with other dogs, including parks, grooming salons, training classes, veterinary clinics, dog-friendly stores, and daycare or boarding facilities.

The good news is that most healthy dogs recover well with supportive care and, when needed, veterinary treatment.

What Is Kennel Cough?
"Kennel cough" is the common name for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
Rather than being caused by one germ, CIRDC can be caused by several viruses and bacteria working together. One of the most common bacteria involved is Bordetella bronchiseptica, but viruses such as canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus can also play a role.

How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough spreads much like the common cold does in people.
Dogs become infected by:

• Breathing respiratory droplets from coughing dogs
• Nose-to-nose contact
• Shared water bowls
• Shared toys
• Contaminated surfaces
• Areas where dogs gather

Because respiratory droplets can travel through the air, exposure doesn't always require direct contact.

Signs to Watch For
The classic symptom is:  ✔ A dry, hacking cough
Other signs may include:

• Honking cough
  
• Gagging after coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Mild eye discharge
• Decreased energy
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever

Most dogs continue acting happy and energetic despite coughing.  If your dog develops difficulty breathing, a high fever, or becomes extremely lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How Veterinarians Test for Kennel Cough
Many mild cases are diagnosed based on:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Type of cough
• Recent exposure to other dogs

More advanced testing may include:

• PCR respiratory panel
  
• Chest X-rays
• Bloodwork (if pneumonia is suspected)

How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity.  Many mild cases only require:

• Rest
• Reduced exercise
• Plenty of water
• Time

Some dogs may also receive:

• Cough suppressants
• Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is suspected)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Nebulization or supportive care
• Hospitalization for severe pneumonia (rare)

Most uncomplicated cases improve within 1–3 weeks.

Can It Be Prevented?
No vaccine prevents every cause of kennel cough, but vaccination significantly reduces the risk and severity of illness caused by Bordetella and some viruses.  You can also help protect your dog by:

• Avoiding sick dogs
• Washing bowls regularly
• Keeping vaccinations current
• Staying home if your dog develops a cough
• Informing pet care providers if your dog becomes ill

How The Blue Hound Helps Protect Your Dog
Keeping respiratory illnesses out of our pack requires multiple layers of protection.

At The Blue Hound, we:
✔ Review vaccination and medical records
✔ Send wellness questionnaires before boarding and grooming visits
✔ Turn away dogs showing signs of respiratory illness
✔ Use veterinary-grade cleaning products throughout the facility
✔ Clean bowls, grooming equipment, and common surfaces daily
✔ Stay informed about respiratory illness trends in Cowlitz County and neighboring communities
✔ May recommend postponing visits if your dog has recently visited a facility experiencing a respiratory illness outbreak

Our goal is simple: keep healthy dogs healthy.

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?
Schedule a veterinary visit if your dog has:

• A cough lasting more than a few days
  
• Thick nasal discharge
  
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme lethargy
• Any cough in a puppy, senior dog, or immunocompromised dog

Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and limits the spread to other dogs.

The Bottom Line
Kennel cough is common wherever dogs socialize, but it doesn't have to become a serious illness. Vaccination, early recognition, staying home when your dog is sick, and good sanitation all play an important role in reducing the spread.

At The Blue Hound, protecting your dog starts before they ever walk through our door. Through wellness screening, medical record reviews, veterinary-grade sanitation, and staying informed about illnesses circulating in our community, we work every day to provide a safe, healthy environment for every guest.

Veterinary Sources

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – Respiratory Disease Guidelines
• Merck Veterinary Manual – Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

Coming Next: Canine Influenza: Understanding Dog Flu and How to Protect Your Dog