Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is a highly contagious respiratory syndrome caused by multiple pathogens. Understanding transmission and management protects dogs in group settings.
The persistent cough of kennel cough disrupts sleep, eating, and normal activity. In severe cases with pneumonia development, dogs experience significant respiratory distress. The highly contagious nature of the condition means infected dogs require isolation that separates them from social contact they need for wellbeing. Kennels and group daycare facilities face difficult welfare trade-offs between social enrichment and disease risk management. The distress of the cough itself — which can be triggered by excitement, exercise, or even drinking — imposes ongoing discomfort that responsive antibiotic treatment (when indicated) and anti-tussive medication can reduce.