How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is one of the most common respiratory illnesses affecting dogs, and it can spread surprisingly quickly wherever dogs come into close contact. Despite its name, your dog does not need to stay at a kennel to catch kennel cough. Dogs can become infected at dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, boarding facilities, veterinary clinics and other places where dogs share space. For many healthy dogs, kennel cough is a mild and temporary illness. However, puppies, older dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions can be more vulnerable to complications. Understanding how kennel cough spreads, what symptoms to look for and how to reduce your dog's risk can help you act quickly if your pet becomes unwell.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a general term used to describe a contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It is also commonly referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease or canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Rather than being caused by one single organism, kennel cough can involve a number of different viruses and bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the bacteria commonly associated with kennel cough, while several respiratory viruses can also contribute to infection.

Because multiple pathogens can cause similar symptoms, two dogs with kennel cough may not necessarily have exactly the same infection. This is one reason why veterinary advice is important, particularly if symptoms are severe, persistent or affecting a vulnerable dog.

How Do Dogs Catch Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact between dogs. When an infected dog coughs, sneezes or otherwise releases respiratory secretions, infectious particles can enter the surrounding environment. A healthy dog can inhale these particles and become infected. Dogs can also pick up infectious organisms from contaminated surfaces and objects, including shared water bowls, toys, bedding and other equipment.

The risk is particularly high in places where large numbers of dogs gather. Boarding kennels are one example, which is where the term "kennel cough" comes from, but your dog can become infected without ever staying in a kennel. Dog parks, daycare centres, grooming facilities, obedience classes and dog-friendly events can all provide opportunities for respiratory infections to spread.

Can My Dog Get Kennel Cough at the Dog Park?

Yes. Dog parks can provide an environment where respiratory infections spread because dogs interact closely with one another. Playing, sniffing, licking and greeting other dogs all increase opportunities for respiratory pathogens to move between animals. Shared water bowls and toys can also potentially contribute to transmission.

This doesn't mean you should avoid dog parks altogether. Socialisation and exercise are important for dogs, but it's sensible to avoid bringing your dog into communal environments if they are showing signs of illness. Likewise, if you know there is an outbreak of respiratory illness in your local area, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about whether temporarily reducing your dog's exposure to high-density dog environments is appropriate.

Can Dogs Get Kennel Cough From Shared Objects?

Yes, contaminated objects can potentially play a role in transmission. Respiratory secretions from an infected dog can contaminate surfaces and objects such as bowls, toys, bedding and grooming equipment. This is particularly relevant in environments where many dogs share the same resources.

Good hygiene is therefore an important part of reducing the spread of infectious disease. Regularly cleaning food and water bowls, washing bedding and disinfecting appropriate surfaces can help maintain a healthier environment.

How Quickly Does Kennel Cough Spread?

Kennel cough is highly contagious, which means an infected dog can potentially spread the illness to other dogs. The exact infectious period can vary depending on the pathogen involved and the individual dog. Some dogs may also appear relatively healthy while still being capable of transmitting infection.

This is why it's important not to assume that a dog is no longer contagious simply because its cough has started to improve. Your veterinarian can provide advice about when it is safe for your dog to return to environments where they will be around other animals.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

The most recognisable symptom is a persistent, harsh or hacking cough. Owners sometimes describe it as sounding as though their dog has something stuck in its throat. Other symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, reduced energy and a mild decrease in appetite. Some dogs may otherwise appear completely normal despite having a noticeable cough.

Common signs can include:

• A dry, hacking or honking cough

• Sneezing

• Nasal discharge

• Mild lethargy

• Reduced appetite in some dogs

• Gagging or retching after coughing

The severity of symptoms can vary considerably. A healthy adult dog may experience only a mild cough, while puppies or dogs with other health conditions can potentially develop more serious respiratory problems.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?

If your dog develops a persistent cough, it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian for advice. A cough can have many causes, and not every cough is kennel cough. Seek veterinary attention promptly if your dog has difficulty breathing, appears extremely lethargic, refuses food or water, develops a high fever or has symptoms that are getting worse rather than better.

Puppies, elderly dogs and dogs with underlying medical conditions may need particularly close monitoring because they can be more susceptible to complications. Your veterinarian can assess your dog's symptoms and determine whether further examination, testing or treatment is required.

How Is Kennel Cough Treated?

Treatment depends on the individual dog and the underlying cause of the respiratory illness. Many mild cases resolve with rest and supportive care, but some dogs may require medication. Antibiotics are not automatically appropriate for every case because many respiratory infections involve viruses. Your veterinarian will determine whether medication is necessary based on your dog's symptoms and clinical assessment.

While your dog is recovering, providing a comfortable environment and avoiding strenuous exercise can help. Using a harness rather than a collar may also reduce pressure on the throat if coughing is aggravated by pulling. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions and avoid giving your dog human cough or cold medication unless specifically instructed to do so.

How Can You Prevent Kennel Cough?

Vaccination is one of the important tools available for reducing the risk of certain causes of kennel cough. Vaccines do not necessarily protect against every organism that can contribute to canine respiratory disease, but they can help reduce the risk and severity of certain infections.

Whether your dog needs a kennel cough vaccination depends on their lifestyle and exposure risk. Dogs that regularly attend boarding facilities, daycare, grooming appointments, training classes or dog parks may have different vaccination requirements from dogs that have limited contact with other animals.

Discuss your dog's lifestyle with your veterinarian so they can recommend an appropriate vaccination and preventative healthcare plan. Good hygiene is also important. Avoid allowing your dog to interact closely with dogs that are visibly unwell, and don't take a coughing dog to dog parks, daycare, grooming appointments or other communal environments.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Kennel Cough?

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. It's helpful to tell the clinic that your dog is coughing before arriving, as the veterinary team may have procedures in place to prevent respiratory infections spreading to other patients.

Keep your dog away from other dogs while they are unwell, follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations and monitor their symptoms carefully. Don't be tempted to let your dog continue socialising because they "only have a cough". Kennel cough can spread rapidly between dogs, and keeping an infected dog away from other animals is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Kennel cough is common and highly contagious, but there are practical steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk. Understanding how kennel cough spreads, keeping vaccinations up to date, practising good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick dogs can all help protect your pet.

At Woonona Petfoods, we know that keeping your dog healthy involves more than choosing the right food. Nutrition, parasite prevention, exercise, grooming, dental care, vaccination and regular veterinary check-ups all contribute to your dog's overall wellbeing.

If your dog develops a persistent cough or any other unusual symptoms, speak with your veterinarian rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself. Early professional advice can help ensure your dog receives the appropriate care and can also help prevent respiratory illnesses from spreading to other dogs in the community.