Health & wellness
If your dog suddenly develops a persistent, dry, hacking cough, it’s understandable to worry. One possible cause is kennel cough, a common respiratory illness in dogs.
Despite the name, dogs don’t have to stay in a kennel to catch it. Kennel cough in dogs can spread anywhere dogs spend time together or share the same environment, whether that’s at the dog park, puppy preschool, daycare, or the groomer.
Most healthy adult dogs recover well with time, rest, and supportive care. However, puppies, older dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions may be at greater risk of developing more serious illness and may require closer vet attention.
This blog explains what kennel cough is, how it spreads, the signs to look out for, treatment options, and when it’s time to see your vet.
Table of contents
- What is kennel cough?
- What causes kennel cough, and how does it spread?
- Is kennel cough contagious?
- Common signs your dog may have kennel cough
- Treatment and recovery
- Preventing kennel cough
- Pet insurance and its role in treating kennel cough
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs. It causes inflammation of the upper airways, leading to a persistent, dry, hacking cough.
Although it’s called kennel cough, dogs don’t need to visit a boarding kennel to catch it. Any place where dogs spend time together can increase the chance of exposure, including:
- Dog parks
- Training classes
- Grooming salons
- Boarding facilities
- Vet clinics
It’s rarely life-threatening in otherwise healthy adult dogs, but it can occasionally lead to more serious complications, particularly in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with other underlying health conditions.
What causes kennel cough, and how does it spread?
Kennel cough isn’t caused by a single virus or bacterium. Instead, it’s usually caused by one or more infectious viruses and bacteria that affect the respiratory tract.
The most common causes include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Canine adenovirus type 2
Because several different germs can be involved, it’s possible for dogs to catch kennel cough even if they’ve been vaccinated. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of infection and may lessen the severity of illness, but it can’t provide complete protection against all of the organisms that can cause kennel cough.
Is kennel cough contagious?
Yes, kennel cough is highly contagious.
It spreads through:
- Respiratory droplets such as those released when infected dogs cough or sneeze
- Direct contact with infected dogs
- Contact with contaminated environments or shared items, such as water bowls, toys, and bedding
One of the reasons kennel cough spreads so easily is that dogs can be contagious before they start showing any signs. If you think your dog may have kennel cough, it’s best to keep them away from other dogs and speak to your vet for advice about the most appropriate next steps.
Common signs your dog may have kennel cough
The hallmark sign of kennel cough is a sudden, harsh, dry cough, which may be followed by gagging or retching. Signs may take some time to develop and may not appear immediately after exposure.
Other signs to watch out for include:
- A persistent, dry cough
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Gagging after coughing
- Tiredness or reduced energy levels, although many dogs continue eating and behaving normally
Some dogs may also develop:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Noticeable lethargy
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet for advice. They can assess your dog’s condition, confirm the cause of their cough, and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Treatment and recovery
If your dog develops a persistent, dry cough, contact your vet for advice. Until they’ve been assessed, try to avoid situations where they’ll come into contact with other dogs to help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Recovery time can vary between dogs depending on factors such as the severity of the infection, their age, and their overall health. Most dogs with mild kennel cough usually improve within several days with plenty of rest and supportive care, although the cough can sometimes linger for longer, particularly in older dogs.
Treatment will depend on your dog’s signs and individual circumstances. After assessing your dog, your vet can recommend the most appropriate next steps to support their recovery and wellbeing.
Preventing kennel cough
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to help reduce your dog’s risk of developing kennel cough. In Australia, the C5 vaccination includes protection against canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica, two of the most common causes of kennel cough. It’s commonly recommended for dogs who regularly interact with other dogs or spend time in shared dog environments, such as dog parks, dog daycare, training classes, or boarding facilities.
Because kennel cough can be caused by several different viruses and bacteria, vaccination can’t completely prevent infection. However, it can help reduce your dog’s risk and may help lessen the severity of illness if they do become infected.
Many boarding kennels and dog daycare facilities also require dogs to have up-to-date kennel cough vaccinations before they’re admitted.
You can also help lower your dog’s risk by:
- Avoiding contact with dogs who are coughing or appear unwell
- Regularly cleaning shared bowls, toys, and bedding
- Keeping vaccinations up to date based on your vet’s advice
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting floors and other high-contact surfaces
- Being mindful of potential exposure when visiting places where dogs gather
For more information on the vaccinations your dog may need, please refer to our vaccination guide.
Pet insurance and its role in treating kennel cough
Despite our best efforts, dogs can still pick up illnesses like kennel cough, which can lead to unexpected vet bills. That’s where pet insurance comes in, helping with the cost of eligible vet treatment, so you’re not left to face them alone.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, accidents and illnesses are covered under one customisable plan, giving you the confidence to seek vet treatment for eligible conditions. Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts. It’s protection with purpose. For your own pup and thousands of others across Australia.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your dog, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What vaccinations should my dog receive? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-vaccinations-should-my-dog-receive
[2] American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough). Available from: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough
[3] Merck Veterinary Manual. Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis). Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/kennel-cough
FAQs
Yes. Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads easily between dogs through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated objects or surfaces, such as water bowls and toys. Dogs can also spread the infection before they show any signs.
Every dog is different, and recovery time can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the infection, the dog’s age, and their overall health. However, most mild cases typically resolve within several days with rest and supportive care, although a lingering cough may sometimes take a few weeks longer to fully clear, particularly in older dogs. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, speak to your vet, who can assess their condition and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Yes. Because kennel cough can be caused by several different bacteria and viruses, the C5 vaccine helps reduce the risk of infection but can’t guarantee your dog won’t develop kennel cough. Dogs who have been vaccinated may still become infected, but they may experience milder symptoms.
Yes. Since kennel cough spreads easily between dogs, it’s best to avoid dog parks, daycare, boarding facilities, and situations where your dog may come into close contact with other dogs if your dog has kennel cough. Speak to your vet about when it’s safe for your dog to resume normal activities.
Pet insurance may cover treatment for kennel cough, depending on the policy and its terms, conditions, exclusions, and waiting periods. It’s always worth checking the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand whether illness cover is included and how it applies to your pet.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, eligible illnesses are covered under one customisable plan. Simply choose the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, and excess that suit your pet and budget. To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or get a commitment-free quote online today.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
