Companion Animals

Companion Dog Kennel Cough Prevention

Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is highly contagious in social dogs and causes distressing coughing, but is largely preventable through vaccination and management.

Key Facts

Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus are the primary kennel cough agents
Intranasal or oral vaccines are more effective than injectable for bordetella
Vaccination is required by most boarding kennels and doggy day-care facilities
Dogs are infectious for up to 14 days, potentially spreading infection before symptoms appear

Welfare Considerations

Kennel cough causes persistent distressing coughing that disrupts sleep and normal activity for 1-3 weeks. The hacking cough is exhausting and may cause vomiting. Secondary pneumonia in vulnerable dogs causes severe illness and occasionally death. The high contagiousness in social dog populations makes prevention through vaccination far more effective than managing the consequences of infection.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate annually against kennel cough before boarding or socialisation activities
Isolate dogs with suspected kennel cough from other dogs for 14 days
Inform any kennels or day-care facilities immediately if your dog develops coughing post-visit
Choose kennels that require proof of recent kennel cough vaccination from all dogs