CONDITION

Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Why this matters now

Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly called kennel cough, is an extremely common respiratory infection in dogs. It spreads readily wherever dogs congregate—boarding facilities, dog parks, training classes, and grooming salons. Multiple infectious agents can cause the syndrome, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and various other bacteria and viruses. Dogs of any age can be affected, though puppies and older dogs may experience more severe disease.

After exposure, signs typically appear within three to ten days. The characteristic dry, hacking cough can be quite dramatic and distressing to hear. In most healthy adult dogs, the infection is self-limiting and resolves within one to three weeks. However, some cases progress to lower respiratory tract infection. Very young, elderly, or immunocompromised dogs are at greater risk of complications.

Signals & patterns

Early signals

Sudden onset harsh cough

A distinctive dry, hacking cough that may sound like something is stuck in the throat.

Coughing fits triggered by excitement

Episodes often occur when the dog becomes excited or during exercise.

Retching or gagging after coughing

Intense coughing fits may end with retching, sometimes producing white foam.

Otherwise normal behaviour

Most affected dogs remain bright, alert, and maintain good appetite despite the cough.

Later signals

Nasal or eye discharge

Clear or slightly cloudy discharge from the nose or eyes may develop.

Reduced appetite

Some dogs, particularly with more severe infection, may eat less.

Lethargy

Dogs with progressing disease may become quieter than normal.

Fever and productive cough

Signs suggesting progression to pneumonia include fever and moist, productive coughing.

Click to read about the biological mechanisms

How this is usually investigated

Diagnosis is often made clinically based on history and signs. Testing is typically reserved for complicated cases or outbreak investigations.

Clinical examination

Purpose: To assess respiratory signs and check for progression to lower airway disease
Considerations: Tracheal sensitivity test often elicits the characteristic cough. Lung sounds help assess for pneumonia.

History of exposure

Purpose: To identify potential contact with other dogs
Considerations: Recent boarding, dog park visits, or contact with coughing dogs supports diagnosis.

Chest radiographs

Purpose: To evaluate the lungs for pneumonia in complicated cases
Considerations: Typically reserved for dogs with fever, lethargy, or signs suggesting lower respiratory involvement.

Respiratory pathogen panel

Purpose: To identify specific causative agents
Considerations: PCR testing of respiratory samples can identify multiple pathogens. More commonly used in shelter outbreaks or research settings.

Blood tests

Purpose: To assess overall health and check for complications
Considerations: May show elevated white blood cell count with bacterial infection. Helps rule out other causes of cough.

Options & trade-offs

Most cases resolve without specific treatment. Management focuses on comfort and preventing transmission whilst monitoring for complications.

Rest and supportive care

Limiting exercise, using harnesses instead of collars, and providing humid air.

Trade-offs: Appropriate for uncomplicated cases in healthy adult dogs. Reduces coughing triggers. Most dogs recover within one to three weeks.

Cough suppressants

Medications to reduce coughing frequency and allow rest.

Trade-offs: Provides symptomatic relief. Generally used short-term. Some medications cause drowsiness.

Antibiotics

Treatment targeting Bordetella and secondary bacterial infection.

Trade-offs: May shorten duration in bacterial cases. Not effective against viral components. Generally reserved for more severe cases or vulnerable patients.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Reducing airway inflammation and irritation.

Trade-offs: May help with comfort and reduce coughing. Used in some cases alongside other treatments.

Nebulisation and coupage

Humidified air therapy and chest physiotherapy for complicated cases.

Trade-offs: Used for dogs that develop pneumonia. Helps mobilise respiratory secretions.

Common misconceptions

Misconception:

"My vaccinated dog cannot get kennel cough"

Reality:

Vaccines reduce severity and risk but do not prevent all infections. Multiple pathogens cause the syndrome, and vaccines do not cover all of them. Vaccinated dogs may still develop mild disease.

Misconception:

"Kennel cough only comes from kennels"

Reality:

Despite its name, dogs can acquire infection anywhere dogs mix—parks, training classes, groomers, or even brief contact with infected dogs on walks.

Misconception:

"The cough means my dog is choking"

Reality:

Whilst the cough can sound alarming, it is caused by airway irritation rather than obstruction. The retching at the end of coughing fits is common and does not indicate a foreign body.

Keeping affected dogs away from other dogs for at least two weeks after signs resolve helps prevent transmission. Noting whether appetite and energy remain normal helps distinguish uncomplicated from complicated cases. Observing the type of cough—dry versus moist—and any changes over time provides useful information. Understanding that vaccination reduces severity but does not guarantee prevention helps set expectations.

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS