A dog with kennel cough typically acts like they have a bad cold, showing a distinct, loud, hacking cough that sounds like they're trying to hack up a hairball or like a goose honk, often ending in a gag or retch; they might also sneeze, have a runny nose/eyes, and generally have lower energy, but often still eat and drink normally unless it progresses to something more serious like pneumonia, which brings lethargy and fever.

What are the first signs of kennel cough in dogs?

The earliest signs of kennel cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease) usually start with a sudden, persistent, dry, "honking" cough, often described as sounding like your dog is trying to clear their throat or gagging, sometimes with frothy white phlegm. Other early indicators include sneezing, a runny nose or eyes, mild lethargy, and sometimes a low fever or decreased appetite, though the cough is the hallmark symptom, especially after recent contact with other dogs.
 

Will kennel cough go away on its own?

Yes, mild cases of kennel cough often go away on their own within 1 to 3 weeks, but it's crucial to see a vet for diagnosis and to rule out severe issues like pneumonia, especially for puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs, as complications can arise, and professional care with cough suppressants or antibiotics may be needed for quicker recovery. 

How to cure kennel cough in dogs?

Rest and Fluids

Just like a head cold in humans, kennel cough in dogs can be treated best with rest, fluid, and time. Encourage your dog to take it easy for a couple of weeks and drink plenty of water (or clear, unseasoned broth) to stay hydrated. Wet food may help during this time, too.

What can I give my dog to cure kennel cough?

Kennel cough treatment often involves rest and supportive care, but vets may prescribe antibiotics (like doxycycline for secondary bacterial infections), cough suppressants (codeine, hydrocodone, butorphanol for severe cases), or anti-inflammatories (Rimadyl) for inflammation, always consult your vet for diagnosis and proper medication to avoid harmful human drugs. Natural remedies like honey (with vet approval) and humidifiers can soothe symptoms, while restricting exercise and avoiding collar pressure help recovery.
 

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What are the red flags for kennel cough?

The primary sign to look out for is a deep hacking cough, which can sometimes lead to retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting. In some cases, you may only notice your dog starting to cough after excitement or exercise and you may also notice a discharge coming from your dog's eyes or nose.

How to test for kennel cough?

Swabs can be taken to determine the exact virus or bacteria causing kennel cough – although this isn't always useful for treatment. If there are suspected complications, radiographs can be used to assess a dog's condition. If your dog is bright, perky, eating well and playful, you may not need to visit the vet.

What happens if kennel cough is left untreated?

In severe cases, kennel cough can progress beyond a mild respiratory infection, leading to more serious complications such as pneumonia. This typically occurs when the illness goes untreated or when a dog's immune system is already weakened, making it harder for them to fight off the infection.

What to feed a dog with kennel cough?

Good food choices are boiled chicken, boiled hamburger, or cooked rice. The food should not be seasoned or cooked with fat. Most dogs recover from kennel cough without treatment in approximately two weeks.

How quickly does kennel cough kick in?

Kennel cough symptoms

Once a dog is exposed, it usually takes two or three days before the dog starts to show symptoms, but it can be up to 10 days. The one exception to this is canine distemper. With distemper, it can take up to four weeks before signs are noted.

How much does kennel cough treatment cost?

In general, the kennel cough treatment cost is related to the veterinary examination and medications prescribed. Depending on the dog's size and the medications needed, it usually ranges from $75 - $200. The cost of X-rays and lab work, if required, could be an extra $200 - $500, depending on the tests.

How long should I wait to take my dog to the vet for a cough?

If the cough worsens or does not resolve after a week, or your pet develops other illness signs, such as difficult or rapid breathing, appetite loss, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, call your veterinarian for an appointment. Coughing can be a normal part of life, but can also signal a problem for your pet.

What dog breeds are prone to coughing?

Overview. Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease of the trachea (windpipe) that causes chronic coughing. This is common in toy and small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles that are middle-aged or older.

Why is my dog coughing and gagging but acting normal?

Here are some common reasons: Throat irritation: Dust, allergens, or swallowing something incorrectly can cause a temporary bout of gagging. Respiratory infections: Conditions like kennel cough can lead to gagging, typically following a dry cough.

What is the rapid test for kennel cough?

Bordetella bronchiseptica Real-time PCR Test Kit can be used to detect bordetella bronchiseptica nucleic acid in canine nasopharyngeal and throat swabs, which is rapid and accurate.

How does a vet treat kennel cough?

It is highly contagious and readily spreads from dog to dog. To treat kennel cough in dogs, your vet may prescribe cough medication to help your dog get more sleep at night. Often, additional treatment for kennel cough is not necessary. Kennel cough in dogs leads to a honking cough that can persist for days to weeks.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

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