By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A dog with canine cough (still widely called kennel cough) can sound alarming. The classic noise is a harsh, honking cough that often ends in a retch, as if something is stuck in the throat. Most otherwise healthy adult dogs get over it in one to three weeks, but puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds and dogs with heart or airway disease can go on to develop pneumonia. The two jobs for an owner are spotting the signs that mean a vet visit is needed, and stopping the infection from spreading to every dog your dog meets.
Key takeaways
- Canine cough is a contagious infection of the windpipe and airways, caused by one or more bacteria and viruses.
- It spreads through the air and on shared bowls and toys wherever dogs mix: parks, boarding, daycare, grooming and training classes.
- Most dogs stay bright and keep eating. A dog that is lethargic, off food, feverish or breathing fast needs a vet the same day.
- Keep a coughing dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after the cough settles.
- The C5 vaccine covers the main causes and lowers the risk and severity, although it cannot prevent every case.
What canine cough actually is
Vets often use the term canine infectious respiratory disease complex, because several germs can cause the same picture. Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus are the best known. They irritate the lining of the trachea (windpipe) and damage the tiny hairs that normally sweep mucus and debris out of the airways. That irritation is what produces the cough, and it is why the cough can hang around for a while even after the infection is under control.
Signs usually start three to ten days after contact with an infected dog. A dog can spread infection before it starts coughing and for some time afterwards, which is why outbreaks move so quickly through boarding kennels and daycare groups.
Signs to look for
- A dry, honking or hacking cough, often in bouts
- Gagging or bringing up a little white froth after coughing (owners often mistake this for vomiting)
- Coughing set off by excitement, exercise, drinking or pulling on the lead
- Mild sneezing or a clear nasal discharge
- Normal energy and appetite in most mild cases
Signs that suggest the infection is moving deeper into the lungs include a soft, moist cough, thick yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, refusing food and faster or more laboured breathing.
When to see a vet
Emergency now: blue, grey or very pale gums, struggling to breathe, breathing with the mouth open while resting, collapse, or a cough that started suddenly after chewing a stick or toy. Go to the nearest emergency vet.
Same day: a puppy under six months, a senior dog, a flat-faced breed or a dog with known heart disease that starts coughing. Also any coughing dog that is quiet, off food, has a temperature or has coloured nasal discharge.
Within a few days: a bright, eating adult dog with a mild honking cough that is not getting worse. Book a check if it has not clearly improved in about a week, or is still present after three weeks.
Coughing is not only caused by infection. Heart disease, a collapsing trachea, lungworm and grass seeds can all cause a cough, so a vet check is worthwhile when the story does not fit. Our guide to dry coughing in dogs covers some of these other causes.
What to do at home
- Phone ahead before visiting the clinic so staff can keep your dog away from the waiting room.
- Walk your dog on a harness rather than a collar to reduce pressure on the windpipe.
- Keep exercise gentle and short while the cough is active.
- A steamy bathroom (with your dog supervised, not in the shower) may help loosen secretions.
- Avoid cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, scented candles and dusty environments.
- Do not give any human cough, cold or pain medicine. Several are toxic to dogs.
- Tell your boarding kennel, groomer, daycare or trainer so they can warn other owners.
How vets diagnose and treat it
Diagnosis is usually based on the history (recent contact with other dogs) and a physical examination, including listening carefully to the heart and lungs. Gently pressing on the windpipe often triggers a cough. If your dog is unwell, very young, or not improving, your vet may suggest chest x-rays, blood tests or swabs to identify the cause.
Many mild cases settle with rest and supportive care. Your vet will decide whether anti-inflammatory medicine, cough relief or antibiotics are appropriate for your dog, and dogs with pneumonia may need hospital care. Treatment is covered in more detail in our article on how canine cough is treated.
Prevention
- Keep your dog up to date with the C5 vaccine, which covers Bordetella and parainfluenza along with distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus. An intranasal or oral Bordetella booster is often given yearly.
- Vaccinate at least one to two weeks before boarding so immunity has time to build.
- Avoid shared water bowls at parks and cafes.
- Keep puppies away from high-traffic dog areas until their vaccine course is complete.
Our article on vaccinating dogs explains how the core and non-core vaccines fit together.
FAQ
Can my dog get canine cough even if vaccinated?
Yes. Several germs cause the disease and not all of them are covered by vaccines. Vaccinated dogs tend to have milder, shorter illness.
Can people or cats catch it?
Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally infect cats and, rarely, people with weakened immune systems. If anyone in the household is immunocompromised, mention this to your doctor and vet.
How long is my dog contagious?
Dogs can shed infection for several weeks. A practical rule is to keep your dog away from other dogs until at least two weeks after the cough has completely stopped.
Should I cancel boarding if my dog is coughing?
Yes. Most kennels will not accept a coughing dog, and boarding would put other dogs at risk.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has started coughing and you are not sure whether it needs a clinic visit, a Dial A Vet video consult can help you work out how urgent it is and what to watch for. If your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue or pale gums, or has collapsed, go straight to your nearest emergency vet.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough)
- WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: What is canine cough?
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact a vet promptly.