What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is the common term used to describe canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Today, it is more accurately referred to as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
This change in terminology reflects the fact that the condition is not caused by a single microbe, but rather by a possible combination of viruses and bacteria that can infect a dog’s respiratory tract. A dog may be affected by a single agent or by several at the same time (co‑infection), which explains why symptoms can vary from one animal to another. The most commonly involved agents include the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2.
How is kennel cough transmitted?
The disease spreads easily in environments where dogs are in close contact. It can be transmitted through droplets released when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, through direct contact such as play or nose‑to‑nose interaction, as well as indirectly through contaminated objects, surfaces, or even human hands after handling a sick dog.
High-risk locations and situations
Despite its name, kennel cough is not limited to kennels. Any place where multiple dogs gather represents a higher risk, including dog parks, boarding facilities, daycare centres, training clubs, competitions, dog shows, and shelters. In some cases, even brief contact with a neighbour’s dog can be enough.
Incubation, contagiousness, and seasonality
The incubation period generally ranges from 2 to 10 days after exposure. A dog can be contagious before symptoms appear, throughout the entire course of the illness, and sometimes for several weeks after symptoms have resolved. As a precaution, it is recommended to avoid contact with other dogs for at least two weeks after full recovery.
As with influenza in humans, seasonal peaks are observed, as pathogens tend to survive better in cool, poorly ventilated environments. The risk is higher in fall and winter, when dogs are more often grouped indoors. It remains present in spring due to increased gatherings and tends to decrease during summer thanks to warmer temperatures and improved ventilation.
Symptoms to watch for
The most common clinical signs resemble those of a cold:
- dry cough, sometimes strong or persistent, that may trigger gagging
- sneezing and nasal or eye discharge
- decreased energy or fatigue
- reduced appetite
- occasionally, a mild fever
In most cases, dogs remain in good overall condition and recover on their own within one to three weeks.
What can be done at home?
When symptoms are mild, supportive care is often sufficient. It is important to ensure proper hydration, offer more palatable food if needed to encourage eating, and promote rest. Exercise and excitement may worsen coughing. Monitoring body temperature can also be helpful, with a normal range between 38.0 and 39.2 °C.
When should you see a veterinarian?
A veterinary consultation is recommended if the dog’s condition worsens or if any of the following signs appear:
- persistent or high fever
- refusal to eat or drink
- marked lethargy
- intense, frequent, or worsening cough
- breathing difficulties
- vomiting associated with coughing
Without appropriate care, some cases may progress to severe bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems.
Veterinary treatments
The good news is that most cases do not require antibiotics, as many infections are viral in origin. The veterinarian will assess the dog’s overall condition to determine the appropriate treatment. This may include supportive care, medications to relieve coughing or inflammation, and in certain cases only, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. Diagnostic tests such as PCR testing or chest radiographs may be used to help guide treatment in more severe situations.
Prevention and vaccination
A recent study from 2025 shows that a combined oral vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus provides protection for at least one year, with a significant reduction in symptom severity and disease transmission. While vaccines do not always prevent infection, they generally allow for faster recovery. Depending on the dog’s lifestyle, vaccination every six months may be recommended by a veterinarian.
In summary
Kennel cough is a common condition in dogs and is generally mild in most cases. With rest and basic supportive care, most dogs recover without complications. Isolating a sick dog is essential to limit the spread of the disease to other dogs. Vaccination also plays an important role, as it helps reduce symptom severity and the duration of illness. Finally, prompt veterinary consultation when symptoms worsen or persist can help prevent complications and support optimal recovery.