Kennel cough
Also known as: Canine infectious tracheobronchitis · Bordetella
Quick answer
A highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, spread in kennels, daycare and group walks. Usually self-limiting but can worsen in puppies or brachycephalic breeds. Phone your vet if coughing lasts more than a few days, your dog is lethargic, has breathing difficulty, or is a young puppy.
Definition
A highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, spread in kennels, daycare and group walks. Usually self-limiting but can worsen in puppies or brachycephalic breeds.
Symptoms
- Harsh, honking cough
- Retching after coughing
- Mild fever or lethargy
- Runny nose
- Reduced appetite in some dogs
When to see a vet
Phone your vet if coughing lasts more than a few days, your dog is lethargic, has breathing difficulty, or is a young puppy. Isolate from other dogs.
Related guides & tools
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Kennel cough?
- A highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, spread in kennels, daycare and group walks. Usually self-limiting but can worsen in puppies or brachycephalic breeds.
- What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
- Common signs include Harsh, honking cough, Retching after coughing, Mild fever or lethargy, Runny nose. This is not a complete list — individual pets vary. See linked guides for fuller context.
- When should I see a vet about kennel cough?
- Phone your vet if coughing lasts more than a few days, your dog is lethargic, has breathing difficulty, or is a young puppy. Isolate from other dogs.