Kennel Cough: What It Sounds Like and What to Do

Kennel cough is the everyday name for infectious tracheobronchitis, a group of bacteria and viruses that inflame the windpipe. It spreads wherever dogs share air — boarding kennels, daycare, training classes, dog parks, grooming salons and vet waiting rooms.

What it sounds like

A dry, forceful, honking cough that often ends in a retch or a gag, as though something is stuck in the throat. Many owners phone convinced their dog has swallowed a bone. It is usually worse after excitement, exercise or pulling on a collar, and worse at night.

When it is fine to watch

An otherwise bright dog that is eating normally, has no fever and is coughing but not distressed will often clear it in one to three weeks with rest. Swap the collar for a harness so the lead does not press the trachea. Keep exercise gentle. Run a steamy bathroom for ten minutes if the cough is dry and irritating.

When to go

• Puppies, seniors, or dogs with existing heart or lung disease — any cough, any time.
• Loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, or a wet productive cough.
• Any difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, or coughing that stops the dog sleeping.
• No improvement after a week, or worsening at any point.

The worry is progression to pneumonia, which is uncommon but serious.

Keep them home

An infected dog sheds for a couple of weeks, sometimes longer. Do not take a coughing dog to the park, to training, or to the vet's waiting room — phone ahead and they will usually see you in the car or bring you straight through.

The vaccination

Most South African boarding kennels require kennel cough vaccination, and many require it a set number of days before arrival because it takes time to work. If you are booking December boarding, get the vaccination in November. It does not cover every strain, so a vaccinated dog can still get a milder version, but it substantially reduces severity.