You know that moment when your dog starts making weird coughing noises? Like they've got something stuck in their throat? Yeah, that happened to my neighbor's golden retriever Max last month. Turned out it was kennel cough. Pretty common actually. But what exactly are kennel cough signs and symptoms? Let's cut through the jargon.
What Kennel Cough Actually Is (And Isn't)
Kennel cough isn't one specific bug. It's more like a cocktail of infections - usually bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica teaming up with viruses. Think of it as the canine version of a chest cold. My vet friend Sarah says about 80% of cases she sees start after boarding or doggy daycare.
The classic kennel cough symptoms give it away. That honking cough? Unmistakable. Almost sounds like a goose. But not every cough means kennel cough - that's important. Foreign objects, heart disease, even collapsing trachea in small breeds can mimic it.
Classic Signs You Can't Miss
Here’s what to listen and look for:
- The signature cough: Dry, hacking, often followed by gagging or retching. Sounds worse than it usually is.
- Watery nasal discharge: Clear at first, might turn greenish if secondary infection sets in.
- Eye goop: Mild conjunctivitis with some gunk in the corners.
- Gagging fits: Especially after excitement or pulling on the leash.
Complete Symptom Breakdown
Not every dog shows all symptoms. Puppies and seniors often get hit harder. Here's a detailed symptom table based on severity:
| Symptom | Mild Cases | Moderate Cases | Severe Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cough Sound | Occasional dry hack | Frequent honking spells | Persistent, painful-sounding cough |
| Activity Level | Normal energy | Mild lethargy | Refuses to move, hides |
| Appetite | Normal | Eats slower | Skips meals |
| Breathing | Normal | Slight wheezing | Labored breathing, rapid panting |
| Nasal Discharge | None or minimal | Constant clear discharge | Thick yellow/green mucus |
| Fever | No | Sometimes | Common (Over 103°F) |
Watch carefully: If your dog develops blue-tinged gums or collapses, that’s ER territory. Pneumonia can develop quickly in some cases.
Symptoms That Trick Owners
Some signs get misinterpreted:
- The reverse sneeze - Snorting like they can't catch breath (usually harmless but scary)
- Coughing up white foam (often just saliva from irritated throat)
- Swallowing repeatedly (trying to soothe the itch)
I once panicked when my terrier vomited after a coughing fit. Turns out she'd just gulped too much air. But knowing when it's serious matters.
How Long This Nightmare Lasts
Most dogs shake off kennel cough signs and symptoms within 10-14 days. But three factors drag it out:
- Age: Puppies under 6 months struggle longer
- Vaccination status: Unvaccinated dogs have rougher rides
- Secondary infections: Like when bacteria invade weakened airways
Stress makes everything worse too. That’s why boarded dogs often develop worse symptoms - new environment, less sleep, more barking.
Red Flags: When to Rush to the Vet
Don’t second-guess with these symptoms:
- Fever over 103°F (use a rectal thermometer - yes, really)
- Complete refusal of food for 24+ hours
- Listlessness where they ignore favorite toys
- Labored breathing at rest (watch for abdominal heaving)
Treatment costs? Ugh. Last year my friend paid $300 for X-rays when her bulldog developed pneumonia. Antibiotics added another $85. Cheaper than emergency surgery though.
How Vets Confirm Kennel Cough
Diagnosis isn't rocket science usually. Vets typically:
- Press lightly on trachea to trigger cough (the classic test)
- Listen to lungs with stethoscope
- Review recent exposure history
Complex cases might need:
- X-rays ($150-$400) to rule out pneumonia
- Swab tests ($80-$120) to identify specific pathogens
My vet only does swabs during outbreaks at local kennels. For average cases? Not worth the cost she says.
Home Care That Actually Works
Mild cases just need supportive care:
| What to Do | Why It Helps | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Humidifier in room | Moistens irritated airways | Use cool mist near sleeping area |
| Harness instead of collar | Reduces tracheal pressure | Front-clip harnesses work best |
| Honey (1/2 tsp 3x daily) | Soothes throat inflammation | Manuka honey has extra benefits |
| Short, leashed potty breaks | Prevents overexertion | No dog parks for 3 weeks! |
Avoid human cough meds unless vet-approved. Some contain deadly xylitol or acetaminophen.
Medical Treatments Vets Use
When home care isn't enough:
- Cough suppressants: Butorphanol or hydrocodone (for severe nighttime coughing)
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline most common (costs $25-$60 per course)
- Anti-inflammatories: Short-term steroids for swollen airways
Warning: I hate when vets automatically prescribe antibiotics. For viral cases? Useless. Always ask if it's truly necessary.
Contagion Periods and Quarantine
Infected dogs shed germs for:
- 3-5 days before symptoms start (stealth mode!)
- Up to 14 days after coughing begins
- Months in rare chronic carriers
Quarantine means:
- Separate room from other pets
- No shared toys/bowls
- Disinfect surfaces with bleach solution (1:32 ratio)
One infected dog at daycare can expose dozens. Happened at our local PetSmart last winter.
Prevention: More Than Just Vaccines
The bordetella vaccine isn't perfect. It covers only some strains and takes 4-7 days to kick in. Still reduces severity though.
Non-vaccine strategies:
- Avoid crowded boarding facilities (look for places requiring proof of vaccination)
- Skip dog parks during outbreaks (check local vet alerts)
- Boost immunity with quality diet and probiotics
That nasal spray vaccine? Works faster than injections but dogs hate it. My dachshund acts like I’m waterboarding him.
Kennel Cough Signs and Symptoms FAQ
Can humans catch kennel cough?
Extremely rare. Only immunocompromised people might get mild respiratory symptoms from bordetella. Wash hands after handling sick dogs though.
Why does my dog cough more at night?
Lying down allows mucus to pool, triggering cough reflexes. Elevate their bed slightly or run a humidifier.
Are certain breeds more vulnerable?
Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) suffer worse due to compact airways. Rescue dogs from crowded shelters also high-risk.
Can kennel cough become pneumonia?
Yes, especially if left untreated in puppies or seniors. Watch for lethargy and fever - those are escalation signs.
How soon after exposure do kennel cough signs appear?
Usually 2-10 days. But some dogs show symptoms within 48 hours if stressed or immunocompromised.
Recognizing kennel cough signs and symptoms early makes all the difference. Most dogs bounce back quickly with simple care. But knowing when to call the vet? That’s what prevents disasters. Keep an ear out for that weird goose-honk cough - you’ll spot it instantly once you’ve heard it before.