Health

Dogs

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a contagious chest infection in dogs caused by several viruses and bacteria. It spreads easily where dogs meet, such as kennels, parks, shows and day care. Most dogs recover at home in one to three weeks, but puppies, older dogs and unwell dogs can develop pneumonia.

What you might notice

• Dry, hacking or 'honking' cough.
• Gagging or retching after coughing.
• Coughing worse with excitement or pressure on the collar.
• Mild runny nose or sneezing.

Common causes

• Infection with Bordetella bacteria, parainfluenza virus or other germs.
• Close contact with other dogs.
• Shared bowls, toys and leads.
• Stress and poorly ventilated spaces.

What you can do at home

• Rest your dog and avoid hard exercise.
• Use a harness instead of a collar.
• Keep your dog away from other dogs while coughing and for 2 to 3 weeks after.
• Phone the vet clinic before visiting and wait outside until called.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• A cough lasting more than a few days.
• Coughing in a puppy, older dog or dog with heart or lung disease.
• Your dog is eating less.

Don't

• Do not give human cough medicines.
• Do not take a coughing dog to day care, training classes or dog parks.
• Do not walk a coughing dog on a tight collar.

Prevention

• Ask your vet about kennel cough vaccination, especially before boarding.
• Plan vaccination 2 to 3 weeks before kennel stays.
• Avoid contact with coughing dogs.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.