Understanding Kennel Cough: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Pup Healthy

pupssaltlakecity
Apr 22
3 min read

Updated: Apr 29

Kennel cough, medically known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a highly contagious respiratory illness affecting dogs. It is particularly prevalent in environments where dogs congregate, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and dog daycare centers. Understanding its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention is crucial for every dog owner, especially during an outbreak.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being one of the most common culprits. Other contributing pathogens include canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2. The disease spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated surfaces.

Mainly transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, close contact with other dogs, such as playgroups, boarding facilities, or dog parks, can significantly increase the risk of exposure, especially during an outbreak.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 3 to 10 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

A persistent, dry, hacking cough
Gagging or retching
Sneezing
Nasal or ocular discharge
Lethargy and decreased appetite

While many healthy adult dogs recover without complications, puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness, including pneumonia.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms (or has been diagnosed with kennel cough):

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, consult your veterinarian right away for appropriate care and to help prevent the spread.
Ask your vet about a Bordetella booster, if appropriate. While it may not prevent infection entirely, it can help reduce severity and duration.
Keep them isolated from other dogs for at least 10–14 days, or until cleared by your veterinarian.
Inform any facilities your dog has recently visited if your dog has symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis, even if mild.

Treatment Options

For mild cases, supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and a stress-free environment, is often sufficient.

Veterinarians may prescribe cough suppressants or antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In more severe cases, especially when pneumonia is suspected, more intensive treatment may be necessary.

Prevention

The Bordetella vaccine is a required vaccination at Pups and remains the best-known preventive measure against kennel cough. However, like with human vaccines, it doesn’t guarantee complete protection. What it does offer is a strong defense. Vaccinated dogs typically experience milder symptoms and shorter illness and are less likely to pass it on to others. It is available in injectable, oral, and nasal forms. Dogs that frequently interact with others, like those attending daycare, boarding, or dog parks, should receive the vaccine annually or every six months in high-risk environments.

You can also ask your vet about a Bordetella booster, if appropriate. While it may not prevent infection entirely, it can help reduce severity and duration.

Commitment to Safety at Pups

At Pups, we’re committed to keeping all our dog guests safe and healthy. We’ve implemented enhanced sanitation protocols during this active time, including deep cleaning of our kennel room and daycare playroom. Our team is also closely monitoring every dog in our care for any signs of illness.

That said, your help is essential. By staying alert to symptoms and keeping your pup up-to-date on vaccinations, we can work together to protect our entire community of dogs.

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