The most common symptom of kennel cough is a sudden, harsh, dry cough, often sounding like a goose honk. Kennel cough, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs.
Deciphering Canine Cough Symptoms
Kennel cough is very common. It spreads fast, especially where many dogs gather. Knowing the signs helps you get your dog help quickly. Spotting the early canine cough symptoms is key to faster recovery.
The Hallmark Sign: The Cough Itself
The cough is the main thing owners notice. It is usually very distinct. Many people describe it as a dog hacking sound.
Characteristics of the Kennel Cough
The cough is not like a wet, chesty cough you might hear with pneumonia. It tends to be:
- Dry and Hacking: It sounds rough and irritating.
- Forceful: The dog seems to try hard to clear its throat.
- Sudden Onset: It often starts without warning.
- Intermittent: It can happen in fits and starts.
A classic persistent dry cough in dogs is a huge red flag for this illness. This cough can be triggered easily. Things like excitement, pulling on a leash, or even just breathing cold air can set it off.
The “Goose Honk” Analogy
The sound is often compared to a goose honking. It is a very sharp, loud noise. This sound comes from the irritation in the windpipe (trachea).
Other Common Signs of Infectious Tracheobronchitis Signs
While the cough is the star, other dog respiratory infection signs can appear alongside it.
Nasal Discharge
Sometimes, you might see clear liquid dripping from the dog’s nose. This discharge is usually thin and watery at first. If the infection becomes secondary (another germ joins in), this discharge might turn thick, yellow, or green.
Sneezing and Reverse Sneezing
Sneezing is a common way for dogs to try and clear irritants. Some dogs with kennel cough may also exhibit reverse sneezing. This sounds like a loud snorting noise as the dog rapidly sucks air in through its nose.
Lethargy and Reduced Appetite
Dogs feeling unwell often slow down. They might not want to play as much. Some dogs may eat a little less because the coughing makes swallowing uncomfortable. This general lack of energy is one of the signs of kennel cough in puppies, who are often very playful normally.
Fever (Less Common)
A mild fever can sometimes be present. However, a high fever is less typical for simple kennel cough. If a dog has a high fever along with the cough, it might mean something more serious is happening, like pneumonia.
Recognizing Signs of Kennel Cough in Puppies
Puppies are especially vulnerable to kennel cough. Their immune systems are still developing. Recognizing the signs of kennel cough in puppies quickly is vital because puppies can get sicker faster than adult dogs.
In puppies, symptoms might seem more severe:
- They may cough more often.
- They might show more tiredness.
- Because they are small, dehydration can become a concern if they aren’t drinking well due to throat irritation.
It is important to watch puppies very closely if they show any canine cough symptoms.
Distinguishing Kennel Cough from a Cold
People often ask how to tell the difference between a regular dog cold and kennel cough. It is hard for a non-vet to know for sure, but there are clues.
Table 1: Kennel Cough Versus Common Cold Symptoms
| Symptom | Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) | Common Canine Cold (Viral/Mild Irritation) |
|---|---|---|
| Cough Type | Harsh, dry, hacking, often loud “honk” | Milder, sometimes slightly wet or soft |
| Severity | Can be severe, causing gagging or vomiting | Usually mild, little impact on daily activity |
| Energy Level | Can cause noticeable tiredness | Dog usually remains active and playful |
| Discharge | Often clear nasal discharge initially | May have clear discharge, less common |
| Contagiousness | Highly contagious | Less contagious, often environmental |
If your dog has a persistent dry cough in dogs, it leans more toward kennel cough or another serious airway issue, rather than just a mild cold.
The Contagious Nature of Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is highly infectious. It spreads through the air very easily. Knowing the kennel cough contagious symptoms helps you stop the spread.
How It Spreads
The viruses and bacteria that cause kennel cough are aerosolized—they become tiny particles in the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes.
- Direct Contact: Nose-to-nose greetings spread it quickly.
- Airborne Droplets: A single cough in a crowded dog park can infect many dogs nearby.
- Contaminated Surfaces: The germs can live for a short time on water bowls, toys, or leashes.
If one dog in a household gets sick, expect others to show kennel cough contagious symptoms within a few days to a week. Isolation is crucial.
Causes and Agents of Infection
Kennel cough is rarely caused by just one thing. It is often a combination of germs working together. This is why it is called infectious tracheobronchitis signs. The inflammation targets the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (small airways).
Key Pathogens Involved
The most common culprits include:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: This is a bacterium. It is a very frequent cause. The symptoms of Bordetella in dogs are usually classic kennel cough signs.
- Canine Parainfluenza Virus: A common virus that irritates the respiratory tract.
- Canine Adenovirus Type 2: Another virus often involved in the syndrome.
These agents often attack first, weakening the dog’s defenses. Then, other bacteria can move in, causing a secondary infection.
When to Worry: Severe Coughing in Dogs Causes
Most kennel cough cases clear up on their own within two to three weeks. However, sometimes the symptoms progress, leading to severe coughing in dogs causes.
Signs of Complication
You need to call the vet immediately if you notice:
- Difficulty Breathing: Fast, shallow breaths, or struggling to catch a breath.
- Coughing Up Phlegm/Mucus: This suggests the infection has moved deeper into the lungs.
- Blue or Pale Gums: This is an emergency, meaning the dog is not getting enough oxygen.
- Extreme Lethargy: The dog refuses to move or get up.
- High Fever: A temperature significantly above normal (over 103°F or 39.4°C).
When the cough progresses to involve the lower lungs, it is often developing into pneumonia, which can be deadly if not treated right away.
At-Home Observation and Monitoring
As an owner, your keen observation helps the veterinarian diagnose and treat the issue effectively. Keep track of when the coughing happens and how often.
Tracking the Cough
Use your phone to record the coughing fits. Hearing the dog hacking sound helps the vet confirm the diagnosis without stressing the dog further with physical exams that might trigger a coughing fit.
Note the following:
- Timing: Does it happen mostly at night, during exercise, or after drinking water?
- Duration: How long does each coughing fit last? (Seconds to minutes?)
- Triggers: What makes the cough start? (Excitement, cold air, pulling the collar?)
Environmental Management
Since kennel cough is easily triggered by irritation, managing the environment is part of managing the symptoms of Bordetella in dogs and other causes.
Collar vs. Harness
If your dog wears a collar, switch immediately to a harness. Pulling on the neck puts pressure directly on the trachea, almost guaranteeing a coughing fit.
Air Quality
Avoid smoke, strong cleaning fumes, or heavy perfumes. These irritants will worsen the cough. If you live in a very dusty area, try to keep the dog indoors or on short, slow walks until the worst of the coughing passes.
Prognosis and Treatment Expectations
If your dog has typical infectious tracheobronchitis signs, the treatment path is usually straightforward.
Supportive Care is Key
For mild cases, treatment often focuses on comfort. The goal is to keep the dog resting and prevent the cough from becoming severe.
- Rest: Strict rest is essential. No running, playing, or roughhousing.
- Hydration: Ensure the dog drinks plenty of fresh water.
- Cough Suppressants: Vets may prescribe medication to quiet the cough, especially if it prevents the dog from sleeping.
When Medication is Needed
If the cough is severe, or if the dog is very young, old, or has other health issues, the vet might prescribe drugs.
- Antibiotics: These are only used if the vet suspects a secondary bacterial infection (like pneumonia) or if the dog has known symptoms of Bordetella in dogs. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
- Anti-inflammatories: These can help reduce the swelling in the airways, which lessens the coughing reflex.
It is important to follow the vet’s advice precisely. Stopping antibiotics early, even if the dog seems better, can lead to a relapse.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
Prevention is always better than dealing with severe coughing in dogs causes. Vaccines are the first line of defense against the most common agents.
Vaccination Protocols
Vaccines target the main causes of kennel cough. These shots are especially important for dogs who visit groomers, boarding facilities, dog parks, or doggy daycare.
Common vaccines cover:
- Bordetella (often given intranasally—sprayed up the nose—or orally)
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
Talk to your vet about your dog’s lifestyle. If they frequently socialize, vaccination is highly recommended to protect against future kennel cough contagious symptoms.
Fathoming the Difference: Kennel Cough vs. Other Illnesses
Sometimes the sound of a cough is misleading. It is important not to assume every dog hacking sound means kennel cough.
Heart Disease Cough
Older dogs sometimes develop a cough due to congestive heart failure. This cough is often worse when the dog lies down or sleeps. It can sometimes sound deeper or “wet” compared to the distinct dry honk of kennel cough.
Kennel Cough vs. Allergies
Allergies usually cause sneezing, itchy skin, and clear nasal discharge, but they typically do not cause that trademark harsh, hacking cough. Allergies are an immune response, while kennel cough is an infection.
If you are unsure whether the persistent dry cough in dogs is due to kennel cough or something else, professional diagnosis is necessary. A vet can listen carefully to the lungs and airways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the kennel cough last in dogs?
For most healthy adult dogs, the coughing typically lasts between 10 days and 3 weeks. However, the cough can linger, on and off, for up to six weeks, especially if the dog is active too soon.
Can a dog catch kennel cough from a human cold?
No, dogs cannot catch human cold viruses. However, dogs can catch kennel cough from other dogs, and vice versa—some kennel cough agents can occasionally infect humans, though this is rare, especially the bacterial components.
Is kennel cough serious?
Mild cases are usually not serious and resolve with rest. However, if the dog develops secondary pneumonia, or if the dog is a very young puppy or a senior dog, it can become serious and require immediate medical treatment. Watch closely for severe coughing in dogs causes.
If my dog is vaccinated, can they still get kennel cough?
Yes. Vaccines reduce the risk significantly and often make symptoms much milder if infection does occur. However, no vaccine is 100% effective because kennel cough is caused by many different viruses and bacteria.
What if my dog only coughs once a day? Do I still need to see the vet?
If you hear any canine cough symptoms at all, it is best to call your vet for advice. Even one episode warrants monitoring, especially if you suspect exposure to sick dogs. If you hear a distinct dog hacking sound, schedule a visit to rule out infectious tracheobronchitis signs.