What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is an umbrella term used to describe a group of viral and bacterial infections that cause inflammation of the throat and other upper respiratory symptoms. Kennel cough is akin to a human chest cold and usually goes away without complications.
Although kennel cough usually clears up on its own, it can be uncomfortable for your canine pal. These illnesses are highly contagious, hence the name kennel cough, since it spreads quickly through boarding kennels and grooming facilities. Don't be fooled though, even those who have never been kennelled can catch the infection.
Occasionally, Kennel Cough can cause more severe symptoms such as fever and nasal discharge, especially in at-risk groups. Young puppies, senior animals, and immunocompromised animals are at the highest risk for Kennel Cough complications, and severe cases can lead to pneumonia or even death.
So, how long does Kennel Cough last? What causes it? And how can you treat it? Keep reading for all these answers and more.
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Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Symptoms of tracheobronchitis can arise anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure.
Symptoms of mild tracheobronchitis include:
- Characteristic persistent dry “honking” cough
- Otherwise healthy (good energy level, normal appetite)
- Possible nasal discharge
- Gagging
- Coughing up white foam
- Symptoms worsen with exercise or pulling at the collar
Symptoms of severe tracheobronchitis include:
Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
There are multiple causes of kennel cough; it can be bacterial, viral, or both, depending on what the dog has been exposed to. Most commonly, kennel cough in dogs is brought about by the parainfluenza virus or Bordetella bacteria:
- Parainfluenza virus - Most common viral cause of tracheobronchitis. When acting alone, symptoms may last less than six days. If the dog is also infected with the Bordetella bacterium (which is not uncommon), symptoms can last up to 3 weeks.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica – Most common bacterial cause of tracheobronchitis. Symptoms may last up to ten days if no other factors are at play (including infection with parainfluenza or other comorbid conditions.)
There are individual vaccines for both parainfluenza and bordetella in dogs, and a combo vaccine protects against both. The vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing infection, but it can decrease the risk of catching it and the severity of illness if a dog does come down with kennel cough.
How long is kennel cough contagious?
The Bordetella bacterium can be shed from an infected animal up to 14 weeks after symptoms have resolved, making it extremely easy to spread since pet parents may end their pet's quarantine when they seem to be on the up and up.
How is kennel cough spread?
Viral and bacterial kennel cough are spread through inhalation, direct contact with other animals, or contact with contaminated objects.
Common locations for contracting kennel cough:
- Kennels
- Boarding facilities
- Dog daycares
- Animal shelters
- Dog spas
- Dog parks (water dishes)
Diagnosis of Kennel Cough in Dogs
If your pet is showing signs of kennel cough and has recently been in contact with other dogs, make an vet appointment for a check-up — even if they've been vaccinated! Remember, being vaccinated for kennel cough does not guarantee protection.
The veterinarian will take a history of your four-legged companion and want to know whether they have had any recent contact with other dogs, how long they have been demonstrating symptoms and symptom severity. This information will help to determine the kennel cough incubation period.
A physical examination will involve listening to the lungs and evaluating the coughing. They will also check them for nasal and eye discharge and take their temperature.
Diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms, the signalment of the patient and history of exposure to other dogs. Various diagnostic tests are available to determine the causative agent, including bacterial culture and viral isolation. These tests aren't usually done unless the pet parent requests them since kennel cough symptoms are indicative of the condition and no specific therapy is indicated.
Treatment of Kennel Cough in Dogs
If your pet is diagnosed with kennel cough, treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.
Mild Tracheobronchitis
An oral cough suppressant may be prescribed in mild cases to make your pup more comfortable and help them rest. Sometimes, vets will offer dogs a bronchodilator to expand the airways or some NSAIDs, as well. Vets may also suggest placing your dog in a room with a humidifier or a shower-steamed bathroom to provide relief. An antibiotic may or may not be prescribed, depending on the dog's history and the severity of their symptoms.
Switching to a harness rather than a collar while your pet is symptomatic is a good idea since collars put pressure on their airways and can irritate the throat and increase coughing. Improvement is typically seen within 5-7 days of starting treatment, and follow-up appointments usually aren't needed for mild cases unless symptoms continue or worsen.
Severe Tracheobronchitis
In more severe cases, antibiotics for kennel cough, bronchodilators, and aerosol therapy will be prescribed.
Severe cases may require a weekly recheck appointment until your dog is considered stable. Report any continued or worsening symptoms to the veterinarian, as tracheobronchitis can lead to life-threatening pneumonia.
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Recovery of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Tracheobronchitis symptoms will normally resolve after 3 weeks, but senior pets, puppies, and immunocompromised pets may take up to 6 weeks to recover. The infection is contagious for up to 14 weeks after symptoms are gone, so it is important to quarantine your pet from other dogs. If your puppy has a cough, you'll need to hold off on the typical socialization activities until your vet gives the okay to resume training and doggy playdates. An older dog should only attend doggy daycare, go to the groomers, or visit the park once a veterinarian clears them and they are no longer believed to be contagious.
Annual vaccination can help prevent or lessen symptoms if an animal comes in contact with a causative agent of kennel cough. Vaccines do not totally prevent infection in all cases. It is preferable to allow 7 days after vaccination to come in contact with other dogs, although 4 days may provide some protection.
Kennel cough can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Kennel Cough Average Cost
From 45 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
$650
Top
Kennel Cough Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retriever
Nine Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Kennel Cough
just wondering what the cost of kennel cough medication would be. She is roughly 65lbs
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Since the cost of medications vary depending on what medication your veterinarian will put your dog on, where you live, and how severe the kennel cough may be, it is difficult to say what the cost will be. Most veterinarians will put a dog with kennel cough on an antibiotic and an anti-cough medication, and those are not very expensive. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Sept. 29, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boston Terrier
One Year
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
In the past 24 hours my dog has developed a cough and has progressively turned into more of the honking cough and recently been coughing up white foam.
Aug. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Kennel cough is a common cause in young dogs of a haunting type cough, and it can cause them to bring up a white foam substance. If the cough is getting worse, and is not improving over a day or two, or if it is making it so that your dog cannot sleep or eat, then it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as you may need therapy. If you do need to have him seen, your veterinarian will be able to examine him and see if that is what's going on, and give treatment if needed. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 8, 2020
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Yorkipoo
Ace
1 Year
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Retching
Loud Dry Cough
Ace is male Yorki-poo who just turned a year old on the 24th of June. Vomiting started about 3 days go it is clear and foamy . Then the dry coughing started. It has been 2 days with the coughing. Based off of this description is this kennel cough or a collapsed tracheal? And I have a 8 year old male pit bull named Diesel who started to vomit a clear foamy liquid as well and who is also starting to have a loud dry cough. Do you think he has the same thing as Ace does?
July 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I really can't diagnose what might be going on with Ace without seeing him. There are many other questions on history and examination that I would need to know. It sounds like Diesel is showing the same signs as Ace, and they probably should see a veterinarian to find out what is going on with therm, whether it is kennel cough or otherwise. If it is kennel cough, they may need medications and vaccinations to help them.
July 1, 2018
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Pug
Maggy
3 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Coughing
Mucus
Coughing, Gagging, Vomiting Foam Mucus
Hello. I brought a 3 month old pug puppy home with kennel cough from the breeder & unknowingly exposed the virus to my 9 month old pug. Currently he is not showing signs but I am worried he will catch it. How do i keep both pugs from passing it back & forth?
Sept. 5, 2017
3 Recommendations
Dogs under six months of age are more prone to pickup kennel cough than older dogs, but you should take steps and be vigilant. Segregation is the most important factor here along with separate food, water bowls and toys; regular cleaning of the puppies environment is also important and cleaning of toys before allowing your other dog to play with them. The second link I’ve provided gives some information about environmental decontamination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/tracheobronchitis-in-small-animals
https://oregonvma.org/files/Kommedal-Canine-Infectious-Respiratory-Disease-Complex.pdf
Sept. 5, 2017
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Pit
Lucy
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Adopted a pit bull and she is on meds for kennel cough, but they didn't say how long she had already been on the meds. She has 7 days of meds left so how long has she been on them?
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
Treatment would be dependent on the severity of the kennel cough, some severe cases require antibiotics whilst milder cases require supportive care; cough suppressants are commonly used to make a dog more comfortable, but the duration of treatment would have been based on severity, but generally treatment would be between ten and fourteen days. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Kennel Cough Average Cost
From 45 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
$650
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
