Canine Cough in Dogs: What Pet Parents Should Know
Canine cough in dogs, often called kennel cough, is a common respiratory illness that can spread in places where dogs spend time together, like daycare, boarding, grooming facilities, dog parks, and training classes. It tends to be more common during the spring and fall and can sometimes spread before symptoms are obvious. Much like how kids can catch a cold at daycare with their friends, dogs can do the same!
Knowing what to look for and acting early can help protect your dog and reduce the spread to others.
What Is Canine Cough?
Canine cough is a contagious respiratory illness that often causes a dry cough, hacking, sneezing, or other cold-like symptoms. While many dogs recover well with rest and time, it is still important to monitor symptoms closely and avoid exposing other dogs.
Can Dogs Still Get Canine Cough If They Are Vaccinated?
Yes.
Dogs can still get canine cough even if they have received the Bordetella vaccine. In an study done by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 9% of vaccinated dogs were still shown to contract canine infectious respiratory disease. However, 74% of unvaccinated dogs contracted canine infectious respiratory disease (Ellis et al., 2001). Vaccination remains strongly recommended as it significantly reduces transmission risk, symptom severity, and overall case numbers compared to unvaccinated dogs (Ellis et al., 2001; Scott-Garrard et al., 2020; Day et al., 2020).
The Bordetella vaccine works similarly to a human flu shot. It helps protect against certain strains, but not all of them. That means it may not always prevent illness completely, but it can help reduce the severity of symptoms, pathogen excretion and support a smoother recovery (Day et al., 2020).
Common Canine Cough Symptoms
Common signs of canine cough in dogs include:
- coughing or hacking
- sneezing
- runny nose
- lethargy
- mild changes in appetite or energy
Since dogs can be contagious before symptoms are obvious, even small changes are worth paying attention to.
How to Help Prevent the Spread
There are a few simple ways to help reduce the risk of canine cough:
- keep vaccines current based on your veterinarian’s guidance
- avoid shared dog spaces if your dog is showing signs of illness
- monitor your dog after time in social settings
If your dog seems unwell, keeping them home and monitoring their symptoms is the best approach! Always contact your vet if the symptoms worsen or persist for longer than 3 weeks.
At-Home Care and Return Timing
Many dogs recover well from canine cough with rest and supportive care. Softened food, hydration, and quiet time may help keep them comfortable while they recover.
Return timing for daycare, boarding, grooming, or other social settings can vary depending on your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian’s advice, and the policies of the facility. It is always best to confirm before bringing your dog back into shared spaces.
Final Thoughts
Canine cough is common, especially in social dogs, but early awareness can make a big difference. Recognizing symptoms, staying in touch with your veterinarian, and avoiding group environments while your dog is unwell can help support a healthier dog community overall.
Extra Sources
The Importance of Vaccinations