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Respiratory · Updated 2026-09-21

Canine infectious respiratory disease (kennel cough)

A contagious complex of viruses and bacteria producing a harsh, honking cough after contact with other dogs.

Prompt veterinary attentionDogs
Veterinary examination relevant to canine infectious respiratory disease (kennel cough)
Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse
Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

  • Dry honking cough
  • Retching after coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Mild fever
  • Reduced appetite
  • Coughing worsened by lead pressure

Causes and risk factors

Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza, adenovirus and others spread by droplets in kennels, classes, parks and grooming salons.

How veterinarians diagnose it

Usually clinical from history and examination; swabs, blood tests or imaging are used in severe or prolonged cases.

Treatment and management

Rest, a harness instead of a collar, humidified air and veterinary review; antibiotics or cough relief where indicated.

Prevention

Vaccination reduces severity for common agents; keep coughing dogs away from others for the advised period.

Outlook

Most healthy adults recover in one to three weeks; puppies, seniors and brachycephalic dogs risk pneumonia.