06/15/2026
Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract in dogs. All breeds and ages of dogs are susceptible. As the name kennel cough suggests, dogs at particular risk are those exposed to settings where multiple dogs are typically gathered or housed, such as kennels, shelters, doggie daycares, and groomers.
The classic sign of kennel cough is a frequent, honking cough that comes on suddenly. Coughing generally worsens with activity or exercise. Dogs experiencing these symptoms should be kept isolated from other dogs until symptoms resolve completely. Dogs experiencing these symptoms should also be seen by a veterinarian to see if medications are recommended to treat the viral infection. If symptoms persist and left untreated, kennel cough can turn into pneumonia which can require hospitalization at an ER.
The Bordetella vaccination is available for dogs. It is recommended for dogs that board, visit the grooming salon or play at dog daycare or dog parks. While a Bordetella vaccination is not 100% effective at preventing kennel cough, it is usually required as a preventative measure for your canine companion.
