Spring break and vacation season often mean travel plans for families and sometimes a stay at a boarding facility, daycare, or with a pet sitter in your home or theirs. While these environments can be fun and enriching, they can also increase the chances of exposure to contagious illnesses like kennel cough.
Understanding what kennel cough is, how it spreads, and what symptoms to watch for can help you keep your dog healthy before and after your trip.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. It is often compared to the human common cold because it spreads easily between dogs and typically causes coughing and mild respiratory symptoms.
Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria that infect a dog’s respiratory system. When dogs become infected, the pathogens irritate the lining of the respiratory tract from the nose and throat down to the lungs. This irritation leads to inflammation and coughing. Dogs typically develop symptoms about three to seven days after exposure.
Because kennel cough spreads easily through the air or close contact, it is most seen in places where dogs gather, such as:
- Boarding facilities
- Dog daycare centers
- Grooming salons
- Dog parks
- Training classes
- Multi-dog households
What Does Kennel Cough Sound Like?
One of the most recognizable signs of kennel cough is its distinctive sound. Many pet parents describe it as:
- A dry, honking cough
- A repeated hacking sound
- A cough that sometimes makes the dog seem like they are gagging or trying to clear their throat
Even if your dog otherwise seems happy and active, a persistent cough is a good reason to monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if it continues.
Other Signs of Kennel Cough
While coughing is the most common symptom, some dogs may show additional signs of illness, including:
- Decreased energy
- Reduced appetite
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- Runny nose with clear or yellow-green discharge
- Eye redness or discharge
Most cases are mild and improve within one to two weeks. However, kennel cough can occasionally lead to pneumonia, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, or pets with weakened immune systems.
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog shows:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing or exaggerated chest movement
- Severe lethargy
- Refusing food for more than 24 hours
- Blue or pale gums
How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is passed between dogs in three main ways:
- Airborne Droplets: When an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks, bacteria and viruses can travel through the air and infect nearby dogs.
- Direct Contact: Dogs can spread infection through close interactions such as sniffing, licking, or playing.
- Contaminated Surfaces: Shared items like bedding, toys, bowls, and kennel surfaces can harbor infectious organisms.
This is why outbreaks can occur in environments where many dogs interact, even when facilities follow excellent hygiene practices.
How is Kennel Cough Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and your dog’s overall health. Many dogs recover with supportive care at home, including:
- Rest
- Monitoring food and water intake
- Limiting activity
- Avoiding contact with other dogs
In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as:
- Cough suppressants to help your dog rest
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected
- Additional treatment if symptoms worsen
Dogs should be kept away from other dogs until at least two weeks after coughing stops to help prevent spreading the illness.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If your dog develops a persistent cough, decreased appetite, or unusual lethargy, it is best to check in with your veterinarian. Even mild respiratory symptoms deserve attention, particularly if your dog:
- Recently stayed at a boarding facility
- Visited a dog park or daycare
- Has been around other dogs with cough symptoms
Early guidance can help your dog recover comfortably and prevent illness from spreading.
Can Kennel Cough Be Prevented?
One of the best ways to reduce your dog’s risk is through vaccination. The Bordetella vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a leading cause of kennel cough. Many boarding facilities, grooming salons, and dog daycares require this vaccine for admission.
While vaccination cannot prevent every possible cause of kennel cough, it can significantly lower your dog’s risk and reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.
It’s also important to plan ahead for your dog’s immunization. For the best protection, the Bordetella vaccine should be given at least one week before potential exposure. If your dog will be boarding, attending daycare, or visiting the groomer, we recommend scheduling their booster in advance, so their immune system has time to fully respond. This helps ensure their protection is at its strongest before they’re exposed to higher-risk environments.
Planning to Board Your Dog for Spring Break?
If you are planning travel this spring, now is the perfect time to make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines before boarding or socializing with other dogs.
At Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic, we can help you:
- Review your dog’s vaccination status
- Determine if the Bordetella vaccine is recommended
- Answer questions about boarding requirements and preventive care
Routine preventive care plays a major role in keeping your pet healthy, especially during busy travel seasons. You can also learn more about immunizations in our blog: Why Vaccines Matter for Dogs of All Ages.
Protect Your Dog Before Your Next Trip
Travel plans should be exciting, not stressful. A quick preventive care check can help ensure your dog stays healthy whether they are boarding, visiting daycare, or simply enjoying more time outdoors this spring.
Call or text us 614-389-0997 to set up an appointment or request an appointment online.
