Kennel Cough Cause, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Updated October 13, 2025

 

As a dog parent, you stay on top of your dog’s health. You should watch what they eat, provide exercise to prevent them from getting overweight, and socialize them so they’re comfortable in various settings. Another aspect of dog care is learning about dog diseases and their symptoms so you know when your pup is ill. One such illness you should know about is kennel cough. Surprisingly, if your dog has kennel cough, you may not know it, as there is a good chance they’ll eat well and act fine. Your pup probably won’t have a fever. But the one classic kennel cough symptom to watch for is a honking, gagging cough.

This article will help you discover kennel cough causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options if your dog contracts kennel cough. Plus, it will help you discover how to make the treatments cost-effective.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is commonly referred to as “kennel cough.” It refers to a contagious respiratory illness. A combination of viruses and bacteria affects a dog’s respiratory system, resulting in a hacking, gagging cough. Kennel cough spreads from dog to dog through droplets spewed in the air when a dog coughs (similar to how a cough or cold might spread between two humans).

Causes of Kennel Cough

Bacteria and viruses are the primary pathogens that often combine to cause kennel cough. These bacteria and viruses include:

• Adenovirus type-2
• Canine Parainfluenza-Sometimes called CPIV, this is a common virus that causes kennel cough. It causes symptoms similar to the flu.
• Canine adenovirus, also known as CAV-2, causes respiratory diseases such as kennel cough.
• Bordetella brochiseptica (bacterium) – The most common bacteria that causes kennel cough. It causes inflammation in a dog’s upper respiratory tract.
• Canine distemper – A contagious virus passed on through the air from one dog to another.

This disease can spread when several dogs are housed together in boarding facilities, animal shelters, or daycare sites. Kennel cough’s contagious bacteria can spread on food and water bowls, toys, or any objects dogs share. Other common places where dogs pick up kennel cough include:

• Dog parks
• Training facilities
• Dog shows

Even though a dog’s immune system protects them from infection, certain circumstances cause them to be more vulnerable to getting sick. Such situations include factors such as:

• Pre-existing health conditions
• Old age
• Stress on their body from poor ventilation, cigarette smoke, or cold temperatures.
• Living in a crowded environment

Also, if you volunteer at an animal shelter or walk dogs, your dog can pick up the illness from a contaminated environment or your clothing. Once a dog is exposed to kennel cough, they may not show symptoms for two to fourteen days. Some dogs may even carry the infection without symptoms.

Symptoms and Signs of Kennel Cough

Dogs with kennel cough often appear and behave as if they are completely healthy. The most noticeable symptom is a honking, gagging cough. However, some dogs have other symptoms as the infection develops, including:

• Runny nose
• Eye discharge
• Sneezing
• Gagging or retching
• Throwing up a white foamy substance

When a dog can’t fight off the infection, the infection produces more severe symptoms, such as:

• Lethargy
• Low fever
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid breathing

These may indicate the infection has spread into your dog’s lungs, causing bacterial pneumonia. Contact your vet if your dog displays these symptoms.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

If your dog displays signs of kennel cough, it’s important to take them to your vet for a diagnosis. Kennel cough in puppies and senior dogs with pre-existing conditions can be severe, so be sure to get your dog seen by a vet early on to prevent possible complications.

There is no one test to diagnose kennel cough, but your vet will thoroughly examine your dog, checking for other causes of cough, such as a heart condition. The veterinarian might conduct a swab bacterial culture to determine the cause of the infection. It’s customary to swab the dog’s nose and throat and send it out for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to find the exact genetic material causing the infection. This test is affordable and doesn’t require your dog to be sedated. Other tests your vet might do to diagnose kennel cough include:

• Complete blood work
• Serum biochemistry profile
• Urinalysis
• Parasite test
• Chest x-ray

If you suspect kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs because they can be contagious.

Treatment Options for Kennel Cough

Because there’s no one treatment for kennel cough, there is a good chance your vet will seek to calm down your dog’s cough and allow their immune system to fight it. If their symptoms continue, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, such as doxycycline, to treat any secondary infection. They may also prescribe cough suppressants and send your dog home for supportive care, such as

• Lots of fluids
• Rest
• Good nutrition

What is the cost of kennel cough treatment?

The cost of kennel cough treatment varies depending on the severity of the illness and the size of your dog. Generally, the cost of the exam and medications ranges from $200 to $500. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you may incur if your dog gets kennel cough.

• Vet exam-$45 to $55
• Cough suppressants-$70
• Doxycycline-For 30 tablets(100mg dose) costs $85. Liquids can run $85-$100
• X-rays-$150-$200
• PCR test-$38

Home Care for Dogs with Kennel Cough

After your dog has been diagnosed, you can care for them at home to help them recover from kennel cough. Here are some suggestions to help your dog feel more comfortable and heal faster.

Walk them with a harness instead of by their collar

A harness helps reduce irritation in their windpipe, as they may have inflammation in their throat.

Humidifier

Run a humidifier in your house to add moisture to the air and make breathing easier for your dog.

Add honey to warm water

This mixture eases your dog’s cough. Mix ½ tablespoon of honey with warm water in a bowl. Offer this to your dog three times a day.

Steam therapy

When you shower, let your dog into the closed bathroom (not in the shower). The steam will help alleviate the irritation caused by the cough. It will also help loosen the cough.

Rest your dog

Reduce exercise so your dog gets some rest. Provide a clean blanket and toys. Lots of rest helps them heal and fight off the infection.

Wipe discharge from their eyes and nose

Using a damp towel, keep your dog’s nose and eyes clear. Be sure to wash the towel between each wiping.

Contact your vet if there is no improvement

Watch for signs that your dog’s cough is worsening or not improving. Contact your vet immediately if your dog isn’t improving after several days of treatment and home care.

Preventive Measures for Kennel Cough

The most common vaccination against Bordetella (kennel cough) protects against the bacteria that cause respiratory disease in dogs. It’s recommended that dogs that are at high risk of getting kennel cough, if they’re:

• Exposed to other dogs in parks or around your neighborhood
• Housed in a dog kennel facility
• Go to doggie daycare
• Play at dog parks

There are three forms of this vaccine. The vaccine can be administered orally, intranasally, or subcutaneously. The Bordetella vaccine schedule and immunity vary depending on the vaccine. Puppies receive the vaccine at eight weeks.

Remember: No vaccine protects 100%. Vaccines offer some protection against respiratory illnesses like kennel cough, and they decrease the severity of the disease.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

Watch for signs that your dog isn’t improving, as this could indicate complications, such as a more severe infection. If you notice your dog seems to be getting worse rather than better, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. Watch for these red flags of a more severe infection.

• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Shallow breathing
• Greenish-yellow discharge from your dog’s mouth or nose
• Lack of appetite
• Fever
• Worse cough
• Fatigue

Kennel Cough in Puppies and Senior Dogs

Puppies are vulnerable to a more severe case of kennel cough because their immune systems are not fully developed. Senior dogs have a decreased immune system, making them more susceptible to complications from kennel cough. Be sure to vaccinate your puppy at 8 weeks of age and keep your senior dog up to date on their vaccinations to offset their risk of kennel cough.

Kennel Cough and Other Health Conditions

Dogs with pre-existing conditions contracting kennel cough are at a greater risk for complications.

Pneumonia 

Extreme cases of kennel cough may lead to pneumonia, causing inflammation and fluid in a dog’s lungs. It makes it hard for the dog to breathe. You may hear your dog wheeze or snore when they sleep if they have pneumonia. It’s treatable, but you should seek your vet’s care if you suspect your dog has pneumonia.

Other severe complications

If pneumonia isn’t treated, it can lead to sepsis or hypoxemia. Hypoxemia causes your dog’s oxygen levels to drop very low. Sepsis is a toxic bacteria that can travel throughout your dog’s bloodstream. Both conditions can lead to death if not treated right away.

Dogs with pre-existing conditions should be given antibiotics such as amoxicillin or doxycycline to help fight the bacterial aspects of kennel cough. Your vet will also prescribe a cough suppressant and expectorant to ease your dog’s cough.

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• Veterinary exams and consultations
• Diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, lab tests)
• Prescribed medications
• Surgeries and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments
• Medically necessary supplies
• Euthanasia and cremation

The Wellness Plan

The Wellness Plan is a monthly membership that focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services.

• Provides reimbursements for routine care items such as wellness visits (exams and vaccines), testing and parasite prevention, dental cleanings and at-home dental care, vitamins, supplements, and more
• Through Odie’s partnership with Petivity, a leader in smart pet products and proactive care, Wellness Plan members can also receive reimbursements for Petivity devices and health kits, as well as eligible Purina food and supplements.
• Total reimbursement up to $700 per year.

Conclusion

Kennel cough is a regular respiratory illness that affects dogs, especially those in crowded environments. Kennel cough’s classic symptom is a gagging or honking type of cough. Healthy dogs usually recover from kennel cough in a couple of weeks, but puppies and seniors with pre-existing complications can get more severe illnesses, such as pneumonia. Prevent your dog from contracting kennel cough with regular vaccinations. Although not 100% effective in preventing kennel cough, vaccinated dogs recover quickly and have fewer complications. Pet insurance helps offset the costs of diagnosing, treating, and vaccinating your dog against kennel cough.

FAQs:

What is kennel cough, and what causes it?

Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex/CIRDC) is a highly contagious respiratory illness causing a characteristic hacking, gagging cough. Caused by bacteria and viruses: Bordetella bronchiseptica (the most common bacteria), Canine Parainfluenza (CPIV), Canine adenovirus (CAV-2), and Canine distemper. The disease spreads through airborne droplets when infected dogs cough, direct contact, contaminated bowls/toys, and shared environments (boarding, shelters, daycare, dog parks, training classes, grooming).

What are the symptoms, and when should I be concerned?

• Main symptom: Distinctive honking, gagging cough. Dogs often look completely healthy otherwise. Other symptoms: dry hacking cough (goose honk sound), retching/gagging, runny nose, sneezing, eye discharge, normal appetite/energy.
• Contact vet immediately for: Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty/rapid breathing, green/yellow nasal discharge—may indicate pneumonia, especially concerning in puppies and seniors. Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure.

How is kennel cough treated, and how long does it last?

• Mild cases: Resolve on their own in 1-3 weeks (up to 6 weeks in older dogs) with rest, avoiding excitement, keeping away from other dogs, using harness instead of collar.
• Severe cases: The vet may prescribe antibiotics (to prevent secondary infections), cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medications. Usually sick 1-2 weeks, but remain contagious 2-3 months after infection. Most healthy adults recover completely.

Can kennel cough be prevented, and who needs the vaccine?

You can’t completely prevent it, but you can reduce the risk through vaccination (which can be injectable, intranasal, or oral). The vaccine is administered in two doses, given 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a booster every 6 months to 1 year. While it doesn’t guarantee 100% protection (as multiple pathogens can cause the illness), it does help reduce the severity of the disease. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that are frequently boarded, attend daycare, compete in sports, or are exposed to other dogs. Many facilities require proof of vaccination..

Which dogs are most at risk?

Puppies (mainly under 6 months), seniors, dogs with weakened immune systems/pre-existing conditions, dogs in crowded environments (kennels, shelters, daycare, parks), stressed dogs, and those exposed to poor ventilation/smoke/cold. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) may have more severe symptoms.

Common exposure locations include boarding, daycare, parks, training, shows, grooming, shelters, and vet hospitals.

Is kennel cough contagious, and does insurance cover treatment?

Highly contagious to other dogs. Keep the infected dog isolated until symptoms are apparent, and then continue isolation for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear. If multiple dogs are in the household, all are likely exposed—monitor closely. It is extremely rare for humans to catch this condition (only those with weakened immune systems). Pet insurance plans like Odie’s comprehensive accident/illness coverage typically cover treatment including vet exams, diagnostics, medications, and follow-ups.