Section: Symptom Guides

Symptoms Of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, medically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. While it often sounds worse than it is, recognizing the symptoms early is key to ensuring your dog recovers comfortably and to preventing the spread to other pets. This guide breaks down the hallmark signs, what to expect, and when to call your vet.

Quick Q&A: Common Questions

Question: Why is my dog making a honking noise like a goose? Answer: That distinctive "honking" or hacking sound is the most classic symptom of kennel cough. It occurs because the infection inflames your dog's trachea and upper airway, causing a forceful, dry cough that often sounds like something is stuck in their throat.

The Hallmark Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The primary symptom is a persistent, dry, hacking cough. It is often described as sounding like a goose honk or a cat trying to hack up a hairball. Unlike a soft, wet cough from pneumonia, this cough is harsh and non-productive. You might notice your dog coughing more at night, after excitement, or when they pull on their leash.

Other Common Signs to Watch For

While the cough is the star of the show, other symptoms can accompany it, especially in more active infections.

  • Gagging or Retching: After a coughing fit, your dog may gag, swallow hard, or even bring up a small amount of white foam.
  • Runny Nose and Eyes: Clear nasal discharge and watery eyes are common, particularly if the infection is caused by a virus like parainfluenza.
  • Mild Lethargy: Some dogs feel a bit under the weather. They might be less playful or sleep more than usual.
  • Loss of Appetite: A mild decrease in interest in food can occur, though most dogs with kennel cough still eat.
  • Low-Grade Fever: A slight fever may be present, but a high fever is more concerning for pneumonia.

What Is Not a Symptom of Kennel Cough

It is important to know what is not typical. Pneumonia is a more serious, deep-lung infection. Signs of pneumonia include a wet, productive cough, significant difficulty breathing, a high fever (over 103.5°F), and extreme lethargy. If your dog is struggling to breathe or has blue-tinged gums, this is an emergency.

What Causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is rarely caused by a single agent. It is usually a "complex" involving several pathogens.

  • Primary Bacteria: Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most famous culprit, accounting for a large percentage of cases.
  • Primary Viruses: Canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type 2, and canine herpesvirus all damage the respiratory lining.
  • Secondary Infections: When the airway is damaged by a virus, bacteria like Bordetella or Mycoplasma can easily take hold.

This is why a dog can be vaccinated against Bordetella but still get kennel cough from a different viral component.

How It Spreads

The infection spreads through airborne droplets (coughing or sneezing), direct nose-to-nose contact, and contaminated surfaces like water bowls, toys, or kennel floors. The bacteria can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Home Care: What You Can Do

Most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own within 1 to 3 weeks. Your job at home is to support your dog's immune system and keep them comfortable.

  • Rest: Avoid walks, dog parks, and daycare. A tired dog is more likely to cough.
  • Humidity: Use a humidifier or take your dog into a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes. This soothes the irritated airway.
  • Harness Over Collar: A collar puts direct pressure on the trachea, triggering the cough reflex. Use a harness for potty breaks.
  • Honey: A small teaspoon of honey (for dogs over 20 lbs) can soothe the throat. Never give honey to puppies under one year old.
  • Hydration: Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. Moist food can be more appealing.

What to Expect at the Vet

If symptoms are severe or your dog is very young, very old, or has a compromised immune system, a vet visit is wise.

Diagnosis: The vet will listen to your dog's chest and take a history. They may perform a tracheal wash (a quick, painless procedure to collect a sample) to identify the specific bacteria or virus.

Treatment Options:

  • Cough Suppressants: Medications like hydrocodone or butorphanol are used for severe, non-stop coughing that prevents sleep.
  • Antibiotics: Doxycycline is a common first-line antibiotic for Bordetella. It is only effective against bacterial components.
  • Bronchodilators: Drugs like albuterol or theophylline may be used if there is significant airway constriction.

Important: Never give your dog human cough medicine without a vet's approval. Ingredients like acetaminophen can be toxic.

Prevention: Reducing the Risk

While no vaccine is 100% effective, they dramatically reduce severity and frequency.

  • Core Vaccines: The DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) vaccine includes protection against parainfluenza.
  • Bordetella Vaccine: Available as an oral, injectable, or intranasal spray. It is recommended annually for social dogs.
  • Boarding and Grooming Hygiene: Reputable facilities require this vaccine and enforce strict cleaning protocols.

When to Worry: Red Flags

Most cases are mild, but watch for these signs that suggest a more serious problem:

  • Difficulty Breathing: Open-mouth breathing, labored breaths, or a blue tongue.
  • High Fever: Over 103.5°F.
  • Refusal to Eat or Drink: For more than 24 hours.
  • Thick, Colored Mucus: Yellow, green, or bloody discharge from the nose.
  • Sudden Worsening: If your dog seems to be getting better and then crashes.

If you see any of these, seek veterinary care immediately. Kennel cough is usually a nuisance, but it can progress to life-threatening pneumonia in vulnerable dogs.

The Bottom Line

If your dog has a honking, dry cough, they likely have kennel cough. Keep them isolated from other dogs for at least two weeks after symptoms stop. Most recover fully with rest and supportive care, but always trust your gut. If something feels off, call your vet.