What you need to know about kennel cough

Its proper name is canine cough and it’s a highly infectious respiratory disease in dogs. Canine cough can be caused by a number of different bacterial or viral pathogens (sometimes a combination of both). 

What are the symptoms?

Typical symptoms are a harsh, dry, hacking cough that may be followed by dry heaving or gagging. 

Other possible signs of infection: 

• discharge from the nose or eyes 

• sneezing

• fever

• lethargy

• loss of appetite 

The coughing is usually made worse by exercise, excitement or pressure on the throat. Coughing can persist for many weeks or months, even with treatment. In rare cases, disease may progress to serious complications such as pneumonia and even death.

What if I see symptoms?

Canine cough usually resolves on its own over time, but if you have concerns talk to your vet for advice.

How do dogs catch it?

Canine cough is highly contagious, spread by coughing and sneezing, or direct contact. Infected dogs can shed canine cough germs for weeks after symptoms have resolved making it hard to know when they are no longer contagious.

Your dog can become infected anywhere other infected dogs have been. Shared water bowls, dog parks, boarding kennels, groomers, socialising on walks, and even the local café. Anywhere dogs gather, there’s a risk of being exposed to canine cough. 

The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the primary causes of canine cough, can survive in the environment for several months, so your dog is always at risk even if it doesn’t come into direct contact with infected dogs.

Is it dangerous?

Most cases are mild, but in some dogs the condition can be more serious and progress to pneumonia. Death from canine cough is rare and typically only seen in very young puppies or dogs with severe underlying respiratory disease or immune compromise.

How can I protect my dog?

The best way to minimise the effects of canine cough is vaccination. As dogs can be infected even if they don’t come into contact with other dogs, rather than avoiding dog parks or interaction, the most effective way to protect your pet is to vaccinate them.

Can my dog still catch it if they are vaccinated?

Yes, they can still get canine cough but vaccination reduces the likelihood of catching it and protects your dog from severe disease. 

Vaccination

Ask your vet about protection against canine cough. Injectable, intranasal and oral vaccines are available and can be given once a year at your dog’s annual health check. See your vet each year to discuss your dog’s risk and keep their vaccinations current. 

If you are planning on putting your dog in a boarding kennel, don’t leave vaccination until the last minute as the establishment of immune protection takes time. Plan to have them vaccinated at least two weeks prior to staying at a kennel.

Can it be passed on to other animal species?

Cats can get some of the pathogens associated with canine cough, but much less frequently than dogs. 

Most canine cough pathogens can’t be transmitted to humans. Despite frequent exposure to Bordetella bronchiseptica, rare infections have been reported in humans, usually associated with people who have a severely compromised immune system. 

Luckily, only a small number of such cases have been reported in humans worldwide. Overall, owners should remember the importance of good hygiene and avoid allowing their dog to lick their face.