Kennel Cough in Dogs

Updated: February 26, 2024

What is kennel cough? What does kennel cough sound like? Kennel cough in dogs is a respiratory canine infection caused by the canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. When these pathogens attack your furbaby, it will affect the respiratory tract lining and will cause inflammation of his airways.

Kennel cough in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, is highly contagious and can be more complicated than we think. It can vary from a dry cough to causing a secondary infection. Kennel cough is known to be prevalent in summer but it can happen anytime.

Kennel cough in dogs is very contagious and can quickly spread to other dogs. Kennel cough virus can easily be transmitted through direct contact with kennel cough-infected dog, sharing of contaminated objects, or through aerosols released when an infected animal coughs.In this article, we've come up with a further explanation of kennel cough in dogs, how your dog can get kennel cough, kennel cough symptoms, identifying the kennel cough sound, kennel cough treatment, and ways you can prevent it.

"For most pet parents that have already had experiences of kennel cough before, they can tell you two things: One, that it is expensive. Two, that the recovery takes a lot of time."

Here, we've come up with a further explanation of kennel cough in dogs, how your dog can get kennel cough and ways you can prevent it.

How do dogs get kennel cough?

Kennel cough in dogs is very contagious and can quickly spread to other dogs. Kennel cough virus can easily be transmitted through direct contact with kennel cough-infected dog, sharing of contaminated objects, or through aerosols released when an infected animal coughs. What does kennel cough sound like? Let’s take a look at some of the main identifiers of kennel cough in dogs.

Kennel cough symptoms in dogs to look for

There are several kennel cough symptoms to look out for. Symptoms of kennel cough and be somewhat obvious, like the kennel cough sound, or more difficult to recognize. Kennel cough in dogs may seem like a common disease but if not treated immediately, it can cause secondary infections and can be fatal. That's why it's always best to seek medical advice as soon as you notice the following symptoms of kennel cough in your dog:

  • Cough with a dry and hacking sound. This is the most common symptoms of kennel cough and the first to show. If your furbaby has kennel cough, there is a recognizable kennel cough sound. What does kennel cough sound like? Generally, it can be dry but other times, mucous can go with it, too. You will know it is a kennel cough because it will be persistent. A kennel cough sound is similar to the sound of your dog choking. The coughing will have an interval every few minutes and uneasiness can be clearly seen and heard in your dog as one of the main kennel cough symptoms. In fact, it is possible the sound will even startle your dog scared of coughing.
  • Weakness. Weakness is not applicable to all dogs since some dogs with kennel cough can look perfectly fine and still go on with their daily activities. A dog who is acting weak may indicate that the kennel cough has worsened and requires medical attention as soon as possible. If you notice weakness along with other kennel cough symptoms, it is important to get to the vet right away for kennel cough treatment.
  • Fever. Kennel cough accompanied by fever means your furbaby's body is trying to fight off an infection. Fever in dogs may result in loss of appetite, lack of interest in their day-to-day activities and sudden behavioral changes. Kennel cough in dogs can be hard on their body, so if you notice other symptoms of kennel cough, do not wait until there is a fever to act.
  • Nasal discharge. Another symptom of kennel cough in dogs is discharge coming out of your dog's nose. This discharge may appear to be greenish to brownish, sometimes may also be bloody.
  • Watery eyes. Another common symptom of kennel cough is watery and runny eyes.

You may think that the symptoms of kennel cough mentioned above can be very common and easy to deal with. But, always keep an eye on your dog's activities and discharges. If your dog has an inability to stand up, complete loss of appetite, or if blood in discharges is present, this is something to be extra concerned about. Consult your vet as soon as possible for kennel cough treatment.

Dog kennel cough treatments

What are the best ways how to treat kennel cough? How long does kennel cough last? Can you do kennel cough treatment at home or are antibiotics needed for treating kennel cough? Let’s take a look at the recommended methods for treating kennel cough.

How to Treat Kennel Cough

Dog kennel cough treatment will vary depending on the severity of the case. According to AKC, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics as their method how to treat kennel cough and to prevent a secondary infection due to kennel cough. Antibiotics known for treating kennel cough include Doxycycline, Trimethoprim-sulfa, Clavamox, or Baytril. These antibotics are generally dog kennel cough treatments for very severe cases. In less severe cases, your vet may recommend an over-the-counter cough suppressant for kennel cough treatment at home. How long does kennel cough last? Dog kennel cough treatment can continue for weeks, but dogs can still be contagious to other dogs for up to ten weeks.

Kennel Cough Home Remedies

When cases of kennel cough in dogs are mild, you may be able to do dog kennel cough treatment at home. Some kennel cough home remedies that can help your dog to relax include honey and steam. Honey is safe for your dog to eat and can help kennel cough treatment at home by soothing their throats. Turning on your shower and letting your dog sit in the steamy bathroom as one of the suggested kennel cough home remedies to help treating kennel cough as well. Keep in mind that kennel cough home remedies should only be used after already consulting a vet and determining the seriousness of the issue.

How to prevent kennel cough

For most pet parents that have already had experiences of kennel cough, they can tell you two things: One, that it is expensive. Two, that the recovery takes a lot of time. That is why we believe that prevention is always better than cure and it's probably the best thing you can do for your furbaby. There are lots of ways you can help prevent kennel cough from a kennel cough vaccine to vitamin supplements. So, what are the best ways how to prevent kennel cough?

  • Kennel Cough Vaccine. The kennel cough vaccine, also known as bordetella vaccine, is available for both puppies and adult dogs. Kennel cough is highly contagious according to Cornerstone Vet, so it is recommended that you give your dog the kennel cough vaccine (bordatella vaccine) and a booster roughly every six to twelve months. With the bordatella vaccine, your dog will have better protection against kennel cough.
  • Disinfect regularly. All the places where your dog hangs out, sleeps, plays, eats, including their toys, food & water bowls, cages, crates, bed, etc. must be disinfected on a regular basis. Depending on your situation and your dog's recent activities, disinfecting once or twice every two weeks is recommended to prevent dog kennel cough.
  • Have an air-purification system. Wherever your dog is staying (in your house, in a kennel), you should be able to sanitize the air by setting up an air-purification system specifically made for pet pathogens, as this helps reduce the number of viruses and bacteria present in the air of your dog's personal surroundings. Keep in mind that kennel cough in dogs is commonly airborne transmitted.
  • Provide vitamins. One way of preventing kennel cough is by boosting your dog's immune system. Provide your dog with Pet Parents® Allergy SoftSupps® that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This way, any inflammation or irritation from kennel cough can be alleviated and relieved.
  • Pet Parents® Allergy SoftSupps® also contains Bio-Mos®, a type of prebiotic that helps protect & prevent damage to the digestive tract and boosts the immune system function by helping the body fight off viruses. These dog supplements have 90 soft chews and the suggested use per day is 1 chew for up to 25lbs in 90-days, 2 chews for 26-75lbs in 45-days, and 3 chews for over 75lbs in 30-days.
  • Make sure your pet drinks plenty of water. Dog kennel cough is drying, which can only increase the irritation your furbaby is feeling. Having your pet drink a lot of water will prevent them from getting dehydrated and will help alleviate an inflamed throat.
  • Create a stress-free environment. If your dog is stressed out, anxious, or scared, they will not be able to recover from the cough sooner. Their anxiety will weaken their immune system, causing them to struggle with the cough even more.
  • Also, provide Pet Parents® Calming SoftSupps®. This help act as a calming aid for dogs during stressful situations. It contains rganic Hemp (Seed Powder and Oil) that is rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants that help manage many health issues, such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, & seizures. And Suntheanine®, a pure form of L-Theanine that helps in improving the quality of sleep of your furbaby, and in improving their learning performances, mental sharpness, focus, and concentration, all while helping support the immune system.

When your dog is suffering from kennel cough, you want to be able to identify the kennel cough sound and symptoms of kennel cough. You can visit your vet for kennel cough treatment to do something that will ease your furbaby’s pain and cough. How to treat kennel cough will vary based on the severity of the case and symptoms of kennel cough.

In addition to this, know that kennel cough in dogs can be tricky and requires a lot of time for recovery and as a pet parent, you will want to find out how to prevent kennel cough. You can choose to get a kennel cough vaccine, provide immune support supplements, and even do a little extra cleaning.

"One way of preventing kennel cough is by boosting your fur-baby's immune resistance. Provide your fur-baby with Pet Parents® allergy-fighting supplements that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."

The author

MICKA V.

Author Bio

Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.

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