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
Pittbull mix
Daisy
3 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Coughing
Nasal Discharge
Hi I have a 3 month old pitbull mix pup and she's been lethargic also coughing and retching. she has moderate energy and has little appetite. The nasal discharge started last night about a day ago and it had a brownish color and she's been coughing for a day now too. I recently adopted her from an animal shelter 5 days ago and she did get her first booster shots. I'm wondering if I should bring her into an animal clinic to get her checked up but I'm not too stable financially. Help?
July 26, 2017
2 Recommendations
Whilst I understand your financial situation, given that you picked up Daisy five days ago, it would be best to have her checked over by a Veterinarian now as if there is an infection it may take longer to treat if treatment is delayed and may cost more in the long run. Infections, parasites, allergies, irritants (like cleaning products and detergents) etc… may all cause these symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Boston Terrier
Bam-bam
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Hacking Cough
Trouble Breathing
Wheezing Or Maybe Sneezing
Hello, So I wanted to ask a question concerning my Boston terrier. His name is Bam-bam and he is about 12 years old. He has a history of seizures that occur at least once every four years. Recently he has been coughing. Well it's more like a hacking-wheezeing, drawn out type of cough. I'm worried because it will happen when he gets over excited, or sometimes out of the clear blue. He has difficulty breathing during and after his coughing fits. He has also been sleeping....a lot. The vet we took him to told us that this happens with older dogs. That they just sorta begin to develop a cough due to age, but I don't think that is the case and am really worried about my pup. Please help.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Boston Terriers like other similar breeds are prone to developing coughs as they age due to their anatomy; however other conditions like heart failure, pneumonia and other conditions may cause a cough to develop. Since Bam-Bam’s cough comes on at times of over excitement, this would generally be consistent with an age related cough as other causes usually have a persistent cough which get exasperated by activity or excitement. Without examining Bam-Bam and listening to his lungs, I cannot say or determine another cause; it may be best for you to take him to another Veterinarian for an examination for a second opinion. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Morky
Blaze
9 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing And Gagging
Hello,
My dog Blaze has a cough and has been coughing for 2 days. He is eating and drinking and playing normal, but he has a cough. While playing if he has to cough he stops what he is doing and then coughs, it sounds like he has something in his throat but it's not that because after we give him water and he eats it still happens. Is there anything I can do at home to help treat this. His is only 9 weeks old and is a Morky. Should I go to a vet and how much would a vet cost me?
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
In young puppies, especially in small breeds like Morkies, it is best to visit your Veterinarian as the cause may be infectious, physical (like chemical irritation) or congenital (like collapsing trachea). If the cough is more of a goose honk, it may be a collapsed trachea or narrowing airway. Blaze should be visiting his Veterinarian for vaccinations until the age of 16 weeks so you can bring it up then. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.vetary.com/dog/condition/tracheal-collapse
July 26, 2017
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Chihuahua
Harlee
5 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
I got my dog from a breeder is Missouri 10 days ago she arrived by ground transportation, yesterday while she was chewing on her puppy bone she began coughing and i figured something was stuck in her throat but now today she is still doing it and has low energy and I'm getting worried. We have a free vet here in Boston but I would have to figure out how to get her there. I am just wondering if I should give her a few days to start feeling better or take her in based off the fact she is lethargic and coughing? Please help!! she is utd on all shots and is just getting over round worms as well
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
There are a few reasons why a puppy may be coughing; these include infections, aspiration pneumonia (inhalation of food or vomit), allergies or other respiratory disease. Puppies which have some from a breeder, kennel or have been transported with other animals are prone to getting airborne respiratory infections. Some coughs may resolve themselves within five or seven days, other coughs (especially in young puppies, older or immunocompromised dogs). Signs of Kennel Cough are dry cough which may be followed by retching; complications may arise from secondary infections which may produce additional clinical symptoms including lethargy, loss of appetite and may include symptoms of nasal discharge. You could wait a day to see if the symptoms subside, but if in doubt or the severity increases I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian, however speak with the Receptionist before you arrive as they may have a procedure for dealing with suspected infectious pets. 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.
