Kennel Cough in Dogs

What causes kennel cough?

Kennel cough is generally caused by the infection with a respiratory virus alone, or in combinations with the bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, causing inflammation of the upper airways. This leads to irritation of the airways and a harsh, dry cough.

How do dogs get kennel cough?

Kennel cough is VERY contagious. It can be transmitted by a healhty pet inhaling aerosols released when an infected dog coughs, or through direct contact with an infected dog. Sharin of food and water bowls, toys or bedding with an infected dog can also contribute to the spread of disease. Transfer of viral particles on owners’ hands and clothes after contact with an infected dog is also possible.

Each dog has an individual susceptibility to kennel cough that is related to the way its immune system functions. Puppies, senior dogs, unvaccinated dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of contracting kennel cough.

High density situations, such as at the doggy day care, parlour, dog pars and kennels, facilitate the spread of disease.

What are the symptoms?

Kennel cough has an incubation period of 3 to 10 days.

The most common symptom is the sudden onset of a persistent, non-productive, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honk. A terminal retch can be seen immediately after a bout of coughing. A watery nasal discharge may also be present.

Dogs with kennel cough usually do not lose their appetite or experience decreased energy levels.

In more severe cases the symptoms may include lethargy, fever, inappetence and even secondary pneumonia.

How is kennel cough diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination by a veterinarian, symptoms and a history of exposure to other dogs. Other possible causes of the coughing, such as heart disease or a collapsed trachea should be excluded before assuming a diagnosis of kennel cough.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Mild, self-limiting kennel cough is the most common form and is usually treated with anti-inflammatories to help relieve a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Your vet may also prescribe some antibiotics if necessary. The symptoms gradualy resolves over 7 to 14 days.

In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required at a facility with the necessary isolation facilities.

To help prevent the spread of the disease it is advised to keep the infected dog separated from other dogs outside the househiold. Avoid dog parks, doggy day care and the parlour fro 2-4 weeks after recovery. Other dogs in the household are usually already exposed at the time of diagnosis of the infected dog.

Because exercise and pressure on the throat worsen coughing, it is advised that you let your dog rest for 7 to 14 days or until the coughing stops. Avoid collars.

How to protect your dog against kennel cough

Along with your dog’s annual 5-in-1 vaccination, an elective kennel cough vaccination can be administered.

There are 2 types of kennel cough vaccines available in South Africa; an injectable vaccine and an intra-nasal inhaled vaccine. These vaccines help to strengthen your dog’s immune system against the disease and must be given annually. The intra-nasal inhaled vaccine provides quick, partial immunity and localised immunity in the nasal passafes and decreased infection rate.

It is important to remember that the vaccines will not help to treat your dog if he already has kennel cough.

If your dog goes to the kennels, doggy parlour, attends group training or activities or frequently comes into contact with other dogs, a kennel cough vaccination may be beneficial.

The kennel cough vaccination does not provide full immunity, it lessens the severity of the disease and limits the spread by reducing the infection period.

If you suspect that your dog may have kennel cough, please consult your veterinarian.

*This article was reviewed and approved by a veterinarian.

Updated 19/07/2024