Kennel Cough in Dogs
A persistent, honking cough in your dog can be more than just a nuisance. Perkins Road Pet Clinic diagnoses and treats kennel cough in dogs throughout Stillwater, OK , helping your pet recover quickly and comfortably.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory condition caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica. It spreads easily wherever dogs gather in close contact, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons.
Common Symptoms
- A persistent, forceful cough that often sounds like a goose honk
- Retching or gagging, sometimes producing white foamy phlegm
- Runny nose or mild lethargy
- Low-grade fever in some cases
Most dogs remain bright, active, and eating normally despite the cough, but symptoms can worsen in puppies, senior dogs, or those with underlying health conditions.
How We Diagnose and Treat Kennel Cough
Our veterinarians typically diagnose kennel cough based on your dog’s history and a physical exam. In some cases, we may recommend digital x-ray or in-house lab testing to rule out pneumonia or other underlying conditions, especially if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
Treatment often includes rest, supportive care, and in some cases antibiotics or cough suppressants. Most healthy adult dogs recover within one to three weeks.
Preventing Kennel Cough
The Bordetella vaccine, part of our standard Puppy/Kitten Program and Adult Program vaccine protocols, offers strong protection against kennel cough. If your dog will be boarding with us or attending group activities, keeping this vaccine current is one of the best ways to protect them.
If your dog has a persistent cough, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own — call (405) 624-3086 to schedule an exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How contagious is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads easily among dogs in close contact, such as at boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.
How long does kennel cough last?
Most healthy adult dogs recover within one to three weeks, though the cough can sometimes linger longer without treatment.
Is kennel cough dangerous for puppies or senior dogs?
It can be more serious for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions, so we recommend an exam if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.
Does the Bordetella vaccine prevent kennel cough completely?
The vaccine significantly reduces the risk and severity of kennel cough, though no vaccine offers 100% protection against every strain.
Can kennel cough spread to cats or humans?
Kennel cough primarily affects dogs and is not typically a concern for humans, though it’s best to keep infected dogs away from other pets until they recover.
Should I board my dog if they have kennel cough symptoms?
No, dogs with active symptoms should avoid boarding or group settings until they’ve fully recovered to prevent spreading the infection.
When should I bring my dog in for a kennel cough evaluation?
If your dog has a persistent cough lasting more than a few days, or shows lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, schedule an exam right away.