What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs. It can spread easily between dogs, especially where they mix closely together. It isn’t usually caused by just one germ, but by a combination of bacteria and viruses. Much like a human cold, it spreads through coughing and sneezing.
How do I know if my dog has kennel cough?
The most noticeable sign is a dry, hacking cough, which can sound quite harsh and is often worse when your dog is excited or exercising. Sometimes a coughing spell may end with gagging or bringing up a small amount of frothy phlegm, which can make it seem as though something is stuck in their throat.
The good news is that most dogs with kennel cough still feel quite bright, remain active, and continue to eat normally. However, some dogs can feel more unwell, so it’s always best to keep a close eye on them.
What is the treatment?
In many cases, kennel cough is mild and will clear up on its own within 1–2 weeks. Even so, we recommend that your dog is checked by a vet to make sure there isn’t another cause for the coughing and to ensure they’re comfortable. If the cough is severe or slow to improve, treatment may be prescribed to help your dog recover more easily.
How can I help prevent my dog from getting kennel cough?
If your dog regularly meets lots of other dogs, we recommend the kennel cough vaccination. This is given as a small drop into the nose and is usually very well tolerated. The vaccine lasts for a year and helps protect against some of the most common causes of kennel cough.
While vaccinated dogs can still occasionally develop mild symptoms, these are usually much less severe. If your dog does have kennel cough, keeping them away from other dogs until the coughing has stopped is one of the kindest ways to help prevent it spreading.
