What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Kennel cough is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs. It's caused by a combination of bacteria (primarily Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (parainfluenza, canine adenovirus type 2, canine respiratory coronavirus). It spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces — anywhere dogs congregate.

The hallmark symptom is a persistent, dry, honking cough that sounds like a goose honk or like something is stuck in the throat. The cough is often triggered by excitement, pulling on a leash, or gentle pressure on the trachea. Many owners initially think their dog is choking. Between coughing episodes, the dog usually seems perfectly fine — eating, drinking, and acting normally.

Most healthy adult dogs recover in 7-10 days without treatment, similar to a human cold. The cough may linger for 2-3 weeks as the airways heal. Antibiotics (doxycycline) may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and cough suppressants (hydrocodone or butorphanol) may be used for comfort, especially at night.

Risk increases with exposure: boarding kennels (hence the name), dog daycare, grooming facilities, dog parks, and shelters. The Bordetella vaccine reduces severity but doesn't prevent all cases (multiple pathogens are involved).

Complications are uncommon in healthy adults but can occur: progression to pneumonia (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, green nasal discharge), and secondary infections. Puppies under 6 months, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk for complications.