01/27/2026
From
Kennel cough is on the rise... here’s what you need to know.
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly anywhere dogs socialize — daycare, boarding, grooming salons, training classes, dog parks, even vet waiting rooms.
✅ Common Signs & Symptoms
A dry, honking cough (often sounds like a goose honk)
Gagging or retching, especially after coughing
Sneezing and runny nose
Mild lethargy
Reduced appetite (sometimes)
Watery eyes
Most dogs still act fairly normal, but the cough can be persistent and annoying — and it can last 1–3+ weeks.
🦠 How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough is spread through:
Coughing / sneezing droplets in the air
Direct nose-to-nose contact
Shared items like:
-Water bowls
-Toys
-Leashes
-Kennels/Crates
-Grooming tools
🚨 Even dogs that “seem fine” can spread it while incubating or recovering.
What You Can Do
Take your dog to the vet for the Bordetella vaccine for kennel cough, if they’re not already vaccinated.
If you suspect kennel cough:
✅ Isolate your dog from other dogs immediately
✅ Rest & hydration are key
✅ Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid irritating the throat
✅ Keep them in a calm environment (avoid heavy exercise)
📌 Call your vet ASAP if your dog has:
Trouble breathing
Fever
Loss of appetite
Thick/yellow/green discharge
Lethargy that seems more than mild
Cough lasting more than a couple of weeks
Any symptoms in a puppy, senior, or immunocompromised dog
Kennel cough is usually treatable, but it can develop into pneumonia in higher-risk dogs — so don’t ignore worsening symptoms.
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