What is kennel cough and how to treat it

Has your dog been coughing, dry hacking, or making a noise that sounds like they’ve got something stuck in their throat? Then it might be kennel cough. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, in this blog, we’ll tell you exactly how to treat kennel cough, what it is, and when it might be time to consult your vet. 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, we care about all animals, big and small! That’s why we’ve carefully crafted high-quality dog food with the aim of giving your dog the happy, healthy life that they deserve. Discover ways to prevent kennel cough, other treatments, and common symptoms by reading on for more… 

What is kennel cough? 

First up, what actually is kennel cough? It doesn’t sound very glamorous, and unfortunately, that’s because it isn’t! Kennel cough is a canine respiratory disease that can cause a persistent dry, honking cough and is highly contagious. Its medical term is tracheobronchitis, and it’s typically caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. 

Kennel cough spreads pretty quickly, especially in settings where dogs gather, like doggy daycares or dog parks. Usually, it’s spread from dog to dog through airborne droplets, but it can also be spread via bacteria on toys, food bowls, or other shared items that have been contaminated by an infected dog. 

So, while it’s called ‘kennel cough’, it’s important to bear in mind that dogs can pick this up from anywhere! 

What are the symptoms of kennel cough? 

Lots of dogs might act perfectly normal, so it can be hard to diagnose your dog at first. However, one of the main symptoms is a loud, honking noise when they cough. Other symptoms include: 

• Gagging or retching
• A runny nose or watery eyes, which can also be symptoms of hay fever 
• Difficulty catching their breath 
• Low energy 
• Coughing more if they are pulling on their lead 
• A loss of appetite, which is more common if they have a sore throat 

>> But when is it time to seek advice from your vet? Most symptoms can be managed naturally at home, but if you notice that your dog has a mild fever, difficulty breathing, or a sudden loss of appetite, a trip to the vets is the most sensible thing to do. 

How to treat a dog with kennel cough 

So, you’re probably left wondering ‘what can I give my dog for kennel cough?’ Well, just like when humans have a common cold, most dogs with kennel cough can recover with enough rest and supportive care. However, it mostly depends on how severe their symptoms are. In most cases, rest and limiting activities are all it takes for your dog’s immune system to clear the infection. 

Some other supportive care during their recovery can include: 

• Monitoring their food and water intake 
• Encouraging eating if their appetite is reduced
• Using probiotics if recommended by your vet
• Allowing your dog to breathe warm, humid air - the steam might help to clear their airways 

To help prevent the spread of the infection, make sure that you keep your dog at home and avoid contact or socialising with other dogs for at least two weeks. It might be difficult, but you’ll have to resist those puppy dog eyes! 

How to prevent kennel cough in the first place 

There are two main ways to keep your dog from catching the dreaded kennel cough: vaccinations and reducing your dog’s exposure to other infected dogs. 

Your dog can take the kennel cough vaccine (the Bordetella vaccine), which helps to protect against Brodetella bronchispectica (one of the most common causes of the kennel cough). Vaccinations can significantly reduce your dog’s risk of catching kennel cough and lessen its severity, however, it’s worth remembering that it does not protect against every virus that can cause canine respiratory disease. 

You can also do the following to reduce your dog’s risk of catching kennel cough: 

• Avoid spaces where there are large crowds of other dogs 
• Consider using an in-house pet sitter instead of taking your dog to doggy day care, especially if your dog is at higher risk of respiratory infections 
• Boost their immune system by feeding them a high-quality, nutritious diet - we’d recommend our Burgess adult dog food! 

Invest in your dog’s health with Burgess Pet Care

Hopefully, this blog has taught you exactly how to treat kennel cough and the key symptoms to look out for. While the name sounds a lot scarier than it is, it’s actually pretty easy to care for your dog’s pesky cough from the comfort of your own home. The more rest and less exposure to other dogs, the better! 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, your pet's health and happiness are our main priority! Whether you’re after dog food, cat food, or small animal food, browse all of our recipes and treat your furry friend to nutritious food that they deserve. If you notice any weird symptoms or changes of behaviour in your dog, make sure you read our dog care guides for further advice and information. 

Or, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to answer questions about our products or chat about all things pets and small animals. 

Kennel cough FAQs 

How long does kennel cough last for? 

Typically between 1 to 3 weeks in healthier dogs. However, for puppies, senior dogs, or pets with underlying health conditions, this can be more like 6 weeks. Make sure that you isolate your pooch from other dogs for at least 2 weeks after their symptoms disappear, as it’s highly contagious. This might be difficult if you have an extremely sociable dog! 

What does kennel cough sound like? 

The most reported description of kennel cough is a goose-like honk. It can sound loud, sharp, and sometimes incredibly dramatic! However, your dog isn’t being a drama queen - hearing this sound means that there should be an immediate cause for concern. 

Can humans catch kennel cough? 

Yes, unfortunately, humans can catch kennel cough, but it is extremely rare. If you’re healthy, the risk of transmission is incredibly low, but there are cases in which kennel cough affects individuals who have weak immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions. Don’t worry, though, as most healthy humans can recover without treatment, while those more at risk might be prescribed antibiotics.