Kennel Cough in Dogs: What It Is, Symptoms to Watch For, and What to Do

If you’ve spent any time around dogs—especially in places where dogs gather like daycare, boarding facilities, training classes, or dog parks—you’ve probably heard the term kennel cough. While the name can sound alarming, kennel cough is actually a common and usually mild respiratory illness in dogs.

Understanding what it is, how it spreads, and what to do if your dog develops symptoms can help keep both your dog and the wider dog community healthy.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is the common name for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). It’s a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses.

The most common culprit is a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, but viruses such as canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, and canine influenza can also be involved.

Because it spreads through the air and through close contact, kennel cough can occur anywhere dogs socialize—not just kennels.

Common places dogs may encounter kennel cough include:

• Dog daycare

• Boarding facilities

• Grooming salons

• Training classes

• Dog parks

• Vet clinics

• Pet stores

It’s similar to how the common cold spreads among people in shared environments.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The most recognizable symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, dry cough that can sound like your dog is trying to clear their throat or has something stuck.

Many owners describe it as a “honking” cough.

Other symptoms may include:

• Dry, hacking cough

• Gagging or retching after coughing

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Mild lethargy

• Slight decrease in appetite

In most otherwise healthy dogs, kennel cough is mild and self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own within 7–14 days.

However, puppies, seniors, or dogs with compromised immune systems may occasionally develop more serious respiratory illness.

How Kennel Cough Spreads

Kennel cough spreads very easily through:

• Airborne droplets
  When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, bacteria and viruses can travel through the air.

• Shared surfaces
  Water bowls, toys, and surfaces can briefly carry infectious particles.

• Direct dog-to-dog contact
  Importantly, dogs can carry and spread kennel cough before showing symptoms, which is one reason outbreaks can occasionally occur in social environments.

What To Do If Your Dog Has a Cough

If your dog develops a persistent cough, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian to confirm the cause and determine if treatment is needed.

Your vet may recommend:

• Rest and reduced activity

• Keeping your dog away from other dogs temporarily

• Cough suppressants or medications in some cases

• Monitoring for worsening symptoms

Most dogs recover fully with simple rest and time.

However, seek veterinary care promptly if your dog shows:

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty breathing

• Thick nasal discharge

These could indicate a more serious respiratory infection.

Vaccination and Prevention

Many dogs receive a Bordetella vaccine, which helps reduce the risk and severity of kennel cough. However, like the human flu shot, it cannot protect against every possible strain involved in respiratory illness.

Because of this, even vaccinated dogs can occasionally develop mild symptoms.

Good prevention practices include:

• Keeping vaccinations up to date

• Avoiding contact with sick dogs

• Giving dogs time to recover fully before returning to social settings

• Practicing proper sanitation in shared dog environments

Our Approach at Grace K9

At Grace K9, the health and safety of every dog in our care is our top priority.

We maintain strict standards for:

• Vaccination requirements

• Facility cleaning and sanitation

• Monitoring dogs for signs of illness

• Prompt communication with owners if symptoms arise

Dog daycare and social environments provide incredible enrichment and social development, but like any place where individuals gather—whether dogs or humans—minor illnesses can occasionally circulate.

Our goal is always to manage risk responsibly while providing a safe, structured environment where dogs can thrive.

When Dogs Return to Social Activities

If your dog has experienced kennel cough, we require 10 days after symptoms have completely resolved before returning to daycare, boarding, or group activities. This helps prevent further spread and ensures your dog is fully recovered.

Questions about kennel cough or your dog’s health before daycare?

Feel free to reach out to the Grace K9 team—we’re always here to help.