If your dog has started making a dry, honking cough that sounds like a goose with a sore throat — often followed by a gag, as though something is stuck — there’s a fair chance you’re hearing kennel cough. It tends to make the rounds every winter, and with the July school holidays just around the corner and boarding kennels filling fast, now is the moment Aussie dog owners need to pay attention.
Here’s a practical, vet-informed look at what kennel cough actually is, why this time of year raises the risk, and the simple steps you can take this week to keep your dog out of trouble.
What is kennel cough, really?
“Kennel cough” is the everyday name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis — an inflammation of the windpipe and airways caused by a mix of bugs, most commonly the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica alongside viruses such as canine parainfluenza. Think of it as the dog world’s version of a chest cold: highly contagious, usually mild, but miserable while it lasts.
It spreads two ways — through the air when an infected dog coughs, and through shared surfaces like water bowls, toys and bedding. That’s why it travels so quickly wherever dogs gather: boarding kennels, doggy daycare, training classes, grooming salons and the local dog park.
Why winter and the July holidays raise the risk
Australian vets typically see two or three small kennel cough outbreaks each year, and they often cluster in the cooler months and around peak boarding periods. The July school holidays are a perfect storm: families head off on holiday, the good kennels and catteries book out, and a lot of dogs who don’t normally mix suddenly find themselves sharing air and space.
Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and may help respiratory bugs linger, while more time spent indoors and in close contact gives infections an easy path from dog to dog. None of this means you should avoid boarding — it just means a little planning now pays off later.
Signs of kennel cough to watch for
The classic symptom is hard to miss, but it helps to know the full picture. Common signs include:
- A persistent dry, honking or hacking cough — often worse with excitement or exercise
- A gagging or retching motion at the end of a cough, sometimes bringing up white foam
- Mild nasal discharge or occasional sneezing
- A slightly reduced appetite or lower energy than usual
- In most cases, your dog otherwise seems bright and happy
In healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is usually self-limiting and tends to clear up on its own within roughly one to three weeks. The cough can be alarming to hear, but it’s often more dramatic than dangerous.
How it’s managed at home
Many uncomplicated cases simply need rest and time. Things that can help your dog stay comfortable while they recover:
- Swap the collar for a harness so a lead doesn’t press on an already-irritated windpipe
- Give them a warm, draught-free place to rest and keep activity gentle for a week or two
- Make sure fresh water is always within easy reach to soothe the throat
- Keep them away from other dogs until the cough has fully settled, to avoid spreading it
Avoid reaching for human cough medicines or leftover antibiotics — some are unsafe for dogs, and antibiotics only help in specific cases. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs them, that’s a conversation for your vet.
Prevention: what to do before you board
1. Sort the vaccination now, not at drop-off
Most reputable Australian kennels ask for an up-to-date C5 vaccination, which covers the core diseases plus parainfluenza and Bordetella — the main kennel cough culprits. Importantly, dogs usually need to be fully vaccinated at least two to three weeks before boarding for protection to kick in, so booking a vet visit early in the holidays is far better than leaving it to the last day. An intranasal form can build immunity faster, sometimes within a few days, so ask your vet what suits your dog’s timeline.
Keep in mind the vaccine isn’t a 100% guarantee — much like our own flu shots — but vaccinated dogs that do catch it generally have a milder, shorter bout.
2. Choose your facility carefully
Smaller, well-run kennels with good airflow, sensible separation between dogs and clear vaccination requirements tend to carry less risk. It’s reasonable to ask how they handle a coughing dog and what their cleaning routine looks like.
3. Keep things clean and low-stress
At home and on the road, wash bowls, bedding and toys regularly in hot water, and try to keep your dog’s routine calm in the lead-up to boarding — stress can take the edge off the immune system right when it’s needed most.
When to call your vet
Most dogs ride out kennel cough without drama, but some need professional care sooner rather than later. Contact your vet promptly if your dog is a young puppy, a senior, a flat-faced breed such as a Pug or French Bulldog, or has an existing heart or breathing condition — these dogs face a higher risk of complications like pneumonia.
You should also book a check-up if the cough lasts beyond a couple of weeks, your dog goes off their food, becomes lethargic, develops a fever, or shows any laboured or rapid breathing. This article is general information only — always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment specific to your pet.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a dog contagious with kennel cough?
A dog can typically spread kennel cough for around one to two weeks, and sometimes longer. As a general rule, keep your dog away from other dogs until at least a week after the cough has completely stopped, and check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Can my cat or I catch kennel cough from my dog?
It’s very uncommon. The bugs behind kennel cough overwhelmingly affect dogs. Healthy people are at extremely low risk, though anyone with a weakened immune system should chat to their GP if they have concerns. Cats have their own separate respiratory infections.
Does my dog still need the vaccine if they never go to kennels?
It’s worth discussing with your vet. Dogs that visit parks, training classes, the groomer or daycare can still be exposed, so “never boards” doesn’t always mean “never at risk.”
Key takeaways
- Kennel cough is a contagious but usually mild airway infection that flares in winter and around peak boarding times like the July school holidays
- Listen for a dry, honking cough often followed by a gag; most healthy adult dogs recover in one to three weeks
- If you’re boarding, arrange the C5 vaccination two to three weeks ahead — don’t leave it to drop-off day
- Choose a clean, well-ventilated facility, keep bowls and bedding hygienic, and isolate any coughing dog
- Seek veterinary care early for puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds, or any dog that’s breathing hard, off its food or not improving
