What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs? Causes and Symptoms Explained

We just heard that some downtown Vancouver dogs recently got kennel cough. As a result, we thought it would be helpful to share some information on how to treat kennel cough in dogs.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, results from inflammation of the upper airways in dogs. It is a mild, self-limiting disease but may progress to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies or to chronic bronchitis in debilitated adult or aged dogs.

Kennel Cough for adult dogs can be seen as the human equivalent of a chest cold. It can resolve itself without treatment although the hacking cough can sound terrible.

There are various causes of kennel cough with the most common being the Bordetella bacteria.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Some dogs may sneeze or have a discharge. The hallmark clinical sign of kennel cough is a “goose honk” cough that may be followed by retching and gagging. The disease spreads rapidly among susceptible dogs housed in close confinement, such as veterinary hospitals or kennels and thus, it’s name. Kennel cough is spread through airborne droplets when infected dogs cough or sneeze, and through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

In some cases, additional signs may develop, including fever, purulent nasal discharge, depression, loss of appetite, and a productive cough, which could indicate progression to bronchopneumonia.

If your dog exhibits these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Should You Get the Bordetella Vaccine for Your Dog? Pros and Cons

Although your dog may be vaccinated for Bordetella, it may still get kennel cough. This is because there is a wide variety of bacteria and virus that can cause the kennel cough. Most dogs that get the kennel cough may already be fighting a viral infection.

Bordetella is not one of the Core Vaccines, we’ve talked about in the past and in addition, there may be side effects. An active infection may not be helped by getting the vaccine.  Looking at the results of Dr. Schultz study on how long each of the canine vaccines last, you will see that Bordetella is good for about 9 months.

So why do most dog daycares require Bordetella before they take your dog? Simple. The Bordetella vaccine may reduce the severity of kennel cough, but it doesn’t guarantee complete immunity and it’s crucial for dogs in high-risk environments. The Bordetella vaccine still does not prevent your dog from getting kennel cough if it is from a different strain of bacteria or virus.

We generally prefer less drug intervention if it can be avoided especially because Bordetella vaccine does not guarantee full protection. This is however, a judgment call that every owner will have to make.

Treatment Options for Kennel Cough

Note that before you visit the vet, you should alert your vet’s office that you may suspect kennel cough if you hear the ‘honking sound’ and dry coughing from your pet. Your vet’s office will give you a protocol to follow so that it does not spread to other dogs that may come into the vet’s office at a later date.

Your vet will diagnose kennel cough based on physical examinations, exposure history, and, if necessary, laboratory tests. They may also prescribe antibiotics to target bacterial causes, cough suppressants to alleviate coughing, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce airway inflammation.

Note that if you are using antibiotics that you should aim to replenish your dog’s gut with probiotics.
A good option is this pet probiotic which is yeast based and so is not affected by antibiotics.

If you find that your dog’s symptoms are not as serious and you want to manage this at home, see below for home remedies.

Effective Home Remedies: How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs Naturally

If your dog is showing signs of hacking cough:

1. Isolate your dog since it is highly contagious. Kennel cough spreads very easily in close contact situations with other
2. This pet herbal remedy has great success in treating kennel cough in dogs. It is called NaturPet Lung Care (formerly Healthy Lungs) and is an oral remedy with active and preventative ingredients for respiratory conditions. Naturpet Lung Care helps clear your pet’s lungs and controls dry coughing. If your dog is still not recovering after two to three weeks, it is time to see a vet!
3. If you cannot find the Naturpet Lung Care, try using oregano oil (also known as oil of oregano) as it has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
   • Can you use oregano oil for your dog? The answer is yes BUT we recommend you dilute it with coconut oil to make it taste less harsh or burn your pet. You could use it in either of the following ways:
   • Add one to two drops of oregano oil to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to increase the treatment from both oils. The coconut oil makes the oregano oil taste less harsh for treating kennel cough in your dog. 
   • Add one to two drops of oregano oil to raw honey as this will also dilute the oregano oil and soothe your dog’s throat.
   • We’ve had doggy customers who’ve recovered in about two weeks using this treatment.

Please comment to let us know if any of the steps above worked in treating your dog’s kennel cough. 

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