Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough is a type of upper respiratory infection in dogs. It is extremely contagious to other dogs and very common in kennels (especially in a shelter because resident animals may not have a good vaccine history).

Kennel Cough takes 3-4 days to show signs after exposure and can last for about 2 weeks. Like a common cold it is usually self limiting but in some cases secondary bacterial infections can cause prolonged symptoms. In older (>8 years) and very young (<4 months) animals the disease may progress to pneumonia which is much more serious.

If your dog is coughing, sneezing, hacking and/or coughing up white foamy material up he or she may have kennel cough. If he/she is exhibiting these signs but is still bright, alert, active and has a good appetite you should take him to your veterinarian for antibiotics but it is not an emergency situation. If your pet has a greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, is lethargic (decreased energy), has decreased appetite or is having problems breathing you should get to your veterinarian as soon as possible.