Kennel Cough in Dogs
Quick answer
Kennel cough is a highly contagious airway infection passed from dog to dog, caused by several viruses and bacteria. The classic sign is a dry, honking cough. PetMD's vet author says most dogs recover in about 10 to 14 days, and to keep your dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after the cough stops. See a vet if your dog is lethargic, breathing hard or off food.
From vets writing for PetMD and Woodgreen. Not veterinary or financial advice. Worried about your pet now?
On this page (7 sections)
What it is
PetMD's vet author describes kennel cough, also called canine infectious respiratory disease, as a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily between dogs. Several viruses and bacteria can cause it, often more than one at once, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2 and canine influenza virus. Woodgreen's vet calls it essentially the dog equivalent of the common cold. Sources: PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM); Woodgreen Pets Charity, What is kennel cough in dogs? (Laura Frost, veterinary surgeon).
Symptoms
PetMD lists a dry, honking cough as the classic sign, with gagging or retching, a runny nose or watery eyes, sneezing, less energy and, less often, vomiting. Woodgreen says signs usually appear three to four days after infection, and that mildly affected dogs often eat and play normally. Sources: PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM); Woodgreen Pets Charity, What is kennel cough in dogs? (Laura Frost, veterinary surgeon).
When to see a vet
Woodgreen's vet advises having any cough checked by your vet. PetMD says worsening signs need a vet exam: lethargy, difficulty breathing, eating less, green or yellow nasal discharge, a productive (wet) cough, or refusing food or water. Puppies, older dogs, dogs with other health problems and flat-faced breeds are at higher risk of complications. Phone the surgery before you go so they can keep your dog away from other patients. Sources: PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM); Woodgreen Pets Charity, What is kennel cough in dogs? (Laura Frost, veterinary surgeon).
How long it lasts and how long it is contagious
PetMD says the cough can last from several days to several weeks, most dogs recover in about 10 to 14 days, and dogs are generally contagious while coughing and for about two weeks after. It advises keeping your dog at home and away from other dogs for at least two weeks after the cough stops. Source: PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM).
Vaccination and prevention
Woodgreen says the vaccine can be given as an injection or a nasal spray, that it cannot fully prevent kennel cough but can make it milder, and that most boarding kennels ask for proof of vaccination. PetMD says the Bordetella vaccine covers one common cause, not every agent, and suggests avoiding crowded dog places for higher-risk dogs. Ask your vet whether your dog needs it: see our puppy vaccination schedule. Sources: Woodgreen Pets Charity, What is kennel cough in dogs? (Laura Frost, veterinary surgeon); PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM).
PetMD says kennel cough is not contagious to people. Source: PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM).
Questions people ask
How long does kennel cough last?
PetMD's vet author says the cough can last from several days to several weeks, and most dogs recover in about 10 to 14 days.
How long is kennel cough contagious?
PetMD says dogs are generally contagious while coughing and for about two weeks after, so keep your dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after the cough stops.
When is kennel cough serious?
PetMD says to see a vet for lethargy, difficulty breathing, eating less, green or yellow nasal discharge, a wet cough, or refusing food or water. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds are at higher risk.
Can humans catch kennel cough?
PetMD says kennel cough is not contagious to people.
Sources
- PetMD, Kennel cough in dogs (Melissa Boldan, DVM; reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM), read 7 November 2026.
- Woodgreen Pets Charity, What is kennel cough in dogs? (Laura Frost, veterinary surgeon), read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Vaccination schedule, normal breathing rate in dogs, how often to take your dog to the vet and everything for dog owners.