Important Information
About Canine Cough

Canine Cough Factsheet

Boarding facilities often face misunderstandings about a common canine respiratory condition known as tracheobronchitis. This condition, commonly referred to as “kennel cough” or “para-influenza”, deserves proper explanation so dog owners can make informed decisions about their pet’s health.

What is Canine Cough?

Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as Canine Cough, is a highly transmissible respiratory infection spread primarily through airborne viruses. After exposure, dogs typically develop symptoms within 3-7 days. The most recognisable sign is a distinctive hacking or gagging cough, often joined by nasal discharge and sneezing episodes. These symptoms may persist anywhere from several days to multiple weeks.
While the persistent coughing can be concerning for pet owners, tracheobronchitis rarely progresses to severe illness. However, similar to how common colds affect humans, this condition can weaken your dog’s immune defences, potentially leading to secondary infections. Close observation of your pet is essential during recovery to prevent complications.

How is Canine Cough Treated?

Tracheobronchitis follows a natural course much like the common cold—it cannot be directly “cured” with medication. Veterinarians typically prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure against secondary bacterial infections. In some cases, cough suppressants may be recommended to ease excessive coughing, but these treatments address symptoms rather than eliminating the underlying viral cause.

Where Can Dogs Contract Canine Cough?

It’s important to understand that tracheobronchitis isn’t exclusive to dogs staying in kennels. The responsible viruses can travel significant distances through the air, potentially affecting any dog—even those that remain within the confines of their home environment.
The likelihood of infection increases in environments with higher dog populations, such as:

• Dog exhibitions and shows
• Boarding kennels
• Veterinary clinics and hospitals
• Pet shops and stores

Dogs may also encounter these viruses during walks or when interacting with other dogs in public spaces.
Dogs in boarding facilities do face increased risk of tracheobronchitis for two main reasons:

• Proximity to potentially contagious dogs
• The stress and excitement of unfamiliar surroundings, which can compromise immune function

This explains why, like schoolchildren catching colds more frequently than children at home, kennelled dogs have higher exposure risks. Interestingly, regular boarding may help your dog develop immunity to these viruses. Even during widespread outbreaks, only a relatively small percentage of dogs typically become infected.

Is Canine Cough a Year-Round Problem?

Similar to influenza in humans, tracheobronchitis often follows seasonal patterns and can emerge in epidemic waves. When veterinary practices begin identifying cases, they typically appear simultaneously across multiple kennels in an area and affect individually-kept dogs as well. Once an outbreak subsides, months may pass without new cases.

Can My Dog Be Vaccinated Against Canine Cough?

Preventative vaccination is available and recommended. Vaccines targeting parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 are standard components of adult dogs’ annual health examinations. Puppies typically receive these vaccinations in combination with immunisations for distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.
It’s worth noting that current vaccines are developed from specific viral strains among over 100 different variants, meaning protection varies across different strains. Intra-nasal vaccines specifically targeting Bordetella Bronchiseptica (another common cause of canine cough) are also available. While not all veterinary practices administer these routinely, they may be recommended for dogs that frequently board or based on your veterinarian’s assessment. Your vet remains the best resource for developing a preventative health programme tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Can Boarding Facilities Prevent Canine Cough?

Despite best efforts, boarding kennels cannot completely prevent the spread of airborne viruses regardless of hygiene standards or personalised care. Quality boarding facilities will:

• Recommend appropriate vaccinations
• Decline accommodation for visibly ill dogs
• Monitor for signs of illness (noting that dogs with parainfluenza may be contagious without showing obvious symptoms)
• Ensure prompt veterinary attention when needed

Pet owners should understand they bear financial responsibility for any veterinary care required during their dog’s stay.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Canine Cough?

If your dog is diagnosed with Canine Cough:

1. Keep your dog at home
2. Ensure they have no contact with dogs outside your household
3. Do not take them to boarding facilities, dog parks, or other social settings
4. Follow your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations

One of the biggest challenges with this condition is that dogs can spread the virus before showing symptoms, making it difficult to determine which dogs are contagious. This means the risk is always present whenever your dog is around other pets.

Key Points to Remember:

• Canine Cough is one of the most common respiratory diseases in dogs
• It can be transmitted anywhere dogs gather, not just in boarding facilities
• No amount of supervision or sanitation can completely prevent this airborne virus
• The best protection is ensuring your pet is fully vaccinated with yearly boosters
• It is often incorrectly referred to as “Kennel Cough”, although it can be transmitted anywhere that dogs gather, and even in your own home from dogs passing by your yard who are infected.
• The term Kennel Cough used incorrectly is now considered to be factually wrong and has resulted in litigation against users of the term. This virus is not caused or related to a  Kennel, it is a virus that can be contracted in countless places.