Canine Cough: Why It’s So Common (Even in Vaccinated Dogs)
If your dog has developed a loud, dry, hacking cough that sounds a bit like a goose honking, kennel cough (now, canine cough) is often the culprit.
Despite the name, kennel cough doesn’t just happen in kennels. It’s a very common, highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads anywhere dogs gather - parks, beaches, daycare, training classes, and even on walks.
🦠 What Actually Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (also called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease) is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most commonly:
Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
Canine parainfluenza virus
Canine adenovirus
These pathogens irritate the airways, causing inflammation of the trachea and bronchi - which leads to that characteristic cough.
🐶 What Are the Signs?
The classic signs include:
Loud, dry, honking cough
Retching or gagging after coughing
Clear nasal discharge
Mild lethargy
Most dogs still seem bright, alert and happy - they just can’t stop coughing, or have intermittent throat tickles that just don’t go away.
🌬 How Do Dogs Catch It?
Kennel cough spreads through:
Coughing droplets in the air
Shared water bowls
Direct nose-to-nose contact
Contaminated surfaces
It spreads very easily in social dogs.
⏳ How Long Does It Last?
In uncomplicated cases, kennel cough typically lasts 1–3 weeks.
However, puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with underlying health issues can develop more serious infections like pneumonia.
💉 Does Vaccination Prevent It?
Vaccination helps reduce the severity and duration of illness, but doesn’t guarantee complete prevention - very similar to the human flu vaccine.
Vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but they generally recover faster and with milder signs.
🏠 How Is It Treated?
Many mild cases just need:
Rest
Time
Avoiding excitement and exercise
Some dogs may need:
Cough medicine
Anti-inflammatories
Antibiotics (if a secondary bacterial infection has developed)
🚫 When Should You See the Vet?
Call us and seek veterinary care if your dog has:
Thick yellow/green nasal discharge
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Fever
Breathing difficulty
A cough lasting more than a few weeks
🐾 Can My Dog Go to the Park?
No. Dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs for at least 10–14 days after symptoms start to prevent spread.
🐶 In Summary
Kennel cough is:
✔ Common
✔ Contagious
✔ Usually mild but very noisy
✔ Preventable to a degree with vaccination
If your dog develops a honking cough, it’s worth checking in with your vet for advice on the best way to manage it and prevent spreading it to others. Always call ahead, so that your pet’s case can be managed outside of the clinic or in isolated areas.