Sheet
Kennel cough
A very contagious airway infection in dogs, caused by several viruses and bacteria. It's usually mild.
Go to the vet now if…
- Fast or labored breathing.
- Low energy, not eating, or fever.
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge, or a wet cough.
- Your puppy has any of these signs: in puppies it can turn into pneumonia.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or odd movements (head tilt, circling) as well.
How you notice it
- A harsh, dry, honking cough that starts suddenly.
- Coughs more with activity or play.
- Retching or gagging after coughing, as if about to vomit.
- Sneezing, runny nose or runny eyes.
- Otherwise usually bright and eating close to normal.
What to do
- Call the clinic before you go: they'll tell you how to come in without exposing other dogs.
- Keep your puppy away from other dogs until fully recovered: no parks, daycare or classes.
- Rest and calm; walk with a harness instead of a collar so nothing presses on the neck.
- Don't share toys, bowls or bedding with other dogs.
- Don't give cough syrups or other human medicines unless your vet tells you to.
- The cough usually eases within days and clears in 1–3 weeks. If it gets worse or doesn't improve, call again.
Does it spread?
- To other dogs: yes
- To people: rarely
Yes, very contagious between dogs, even before the cough starts: through the air and shared items. Spread to people is extremely rare, mostly in people with very weak immune systems.
How to prevent it
- Ask your vet which respiratory vaccines suit your puppy's lifestyle (daycare, boarding, classes).
- Don't let your puppy share bowls or toys with dogs from outside your home.
- Avoid places with an outbreak.
Sources
- Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough) (pet owners)
- Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis) in Dogs - Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) - Dog Owner Version (Kuehn NF; updated Sept 2024)
- 13 Animal emergencies that require immediate veterinary consultation and/or care
- Medication Errors Happen to Pets, Too (Consumer Update, content current as of 13 May 2021)
- Never Give Medications for People to Pets (Bryan L, Pet Health Columns, 19 Sept 2025)
- Nobivac DHPPi lyophilisate for suspension for injection for dogs - Summary of Product Characteristics (last revised Aug 2025, approved Dec 2025)
- Vaccine Failure and Other Adverse Events in Animals - Professional Version (Tizard IR; full review Oct 2023, updated Sep 2024)
- Directrices de 2024 para la vacunación de perros y gatos (traducción al español de Squires RA et al., J Small Anim Pract 2024): refugios y preguntas sobre glucocorticoides
- Pet Vaccination Questions, Part 3: Vaccinating 'Unhealthy' Animals (Weese S, Worms & Germs Blog, 27 Oct 2022)
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet is the one who can tell what's wrong and what to do.