Kennel Cough (Bordetella): Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs. It involves inflammation of the upper airway (trachea and bronchi) and is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.

The Infectious Agents

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria): Primary cause
• Canine parainfluenza virus: Common co-infection
• Canine adenovirus type 2: Less common
• Canine influenza virus: Can cause similar symptoms
• Mycoplasma: Sometimes involved

<CTA1 />

Symptoms

Classic Signs (3-10 days after exposure)

• Honking, dry cough: The hallmark sign, often described as sounding like a goose honk
• Gagging or retching after coughing (often producing white foam)
• Nasal discharge (clear to cloudy)
• Sneezing
• Mild fever (102.5-103.5°F)

Mild Cases

• Dog otherwise acts normally
• Eating and drinking well
• No lethargy
• Cough worsens with excitement or exercise

Severe Cases (Seek Immediate Care)

• High fever (104°F+)
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Productive cough with yellow/green mucus
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Pneumonia risk (especially in puppies and seniors)

Who Is at Risk?

• Boarding facilities and dog daycares
• Dog parks and training classes
• Shelters and rescue environments
• Puppies and unvaccinated dogs
• Dogs with compromised immune systems
• Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) are more susceptible

Diagnosis & Costs

Veterinary Visit

• Physical exam: $50-100
• Chest X-rays (if pneumonia suspected): $100-300
• CBC and chemistry: $100-200
• PCR respiratory panel: $150-300

Total Diagnostic Cost: $50-500 (depending on severity)

<CTA2 />

Treatment

Mild Cases (Outpatient)

• Cough suppressant (hydrocodone or butorphanol): $25-50
• Antibiotics (doxycycline, 7-14 days): $30-80
• Rest and isolation: 1-2 weeks
• Humidifier or steam therapy: Free

Severe Cases (Hospitalization)

• IV antibiotics: $100-200/day
• Nebulization therapy: $50-100/day
• Oxygen therapy (if pneumonia): $200-500/day
• Hospitalization: $500-1,500/day

Total Treatment Cost

• Mild case: $50-200
• Moderate case: $200-500
• Severe case with pneumonia: $1,000-$3,000+

Prevention

Vaccination

• Bordetella vaccine: $25-45 per dose
• Intranasal or injectable forms available
• Given annually (or every 6 months for high-risk dogs)
• Most boarding facilities require proof of vaccination
• Protects against Bordetella but not all causes of kennel cough

Management

• Quarantine infected dogs for 2+ weeks
• Avoid boarding during outbreaks
• Good ventilation in kennel environments
• Proper sanitation of shared spaces

<CTA3 />

Recovery Timeline

• Mild cases: 1-3 weeks
• With antibiotics: 7-14 days
• Severe cases with pneumonia: 3-6 weeks
• Contagious period: Up to 14 weeks after symptoms resolve

---

Related: canine-parvovirus, respiratory-infections, canine-distemper