If your dog has started making a harsh, honking cough that sounds like something is stuck in their throat, you are not alone. Vets around the country are reporting a fresh wave of kennel cough this winter, and with the July school holidays sending more dogs to boarding kennels, daycare and busy parks, it is spreading fast. Here is what Aussie owners actually need to know.
What kennel cough really is
Kennel cough, more accurately called canine cough or canine infectious respiratory disease, is a highly contagious infection of the upper airways. It is not caused by one single bug. Instead, a mix of viruses and bacteria are usually involved, most commonly the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica alongside canine parainfluenza virus. Think of it a bit like the common cold in people: several different germs can cause similar symptoms, and dogs can pick it up again in future seasons.
The name is misleading. Your dog does not need to have been in a boarding kennel to catch it. Anywhere dogs gather, or even share the same air and surfaces, is enough.
Why it is spreading right now
Winter and the mid-year holidays are a perfect storm. More families travel and book their dogs into boarding facilities, daycare fills up, and puppy schools are in full swing. The germs behind kennel cough travel through airborne droplets when dogs cough or sneeze, through direct nose-to-nose contact, and on shared items like water bowls, toys and even a groomer’s clothing. That means a quick hello between two dogs on a footpath can be enough.
The signs to watch for
The hallmark sign is a sudden, forceful cough that often ends in a gag or a retch, as though your dog is trying to clear something from their throat. Owners frequently mistake it for choking. Other signs can include:
- A dry, hacking or honking cough, often worse with excitement or exercise
- Gagging or bringing up a little white foam after coughing
- A runny nose or watery eyes
- Occasional sneezing
- In most cases, staying bright, alert and eating normally
For otherwise healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous, and often settles within one to three weeks with rest.
When to call your vet
While many cases clear up on their own, some dogs need veterinary care, and a few groups are more vulnerable. Contact your vet promptly if your dog:
- Is a young puppy, a senior, or has an existing heart or breathing condition
- Seems flat, off their food, or has a fever
- Is struggling to breathe, breathing quickly, or has blue-tinged gums (treat this as an emergency)
- Has a cough that is getting worse rather than better after a few days
- Is coughing up green or yellow discharge, which can suggest a secondary infection
Coughing can have many causes beyond kennel cough, including heart disease and other lung problems, so a check-up matters if you are unsure. Consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment specific to your pet.
How it is treated
Most healthy dogs recover with supportive care at home: plenty of rest, limited exercise so coughing fits are not triggered, and a calm environment. Using a harness instead of a collar can help, as pressure on the throat tends to make the cough worse. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medication in more serious cases, or where a bacterial infection is suspected, but these are not always needed. Because kennel cough is so contagious, keep your dog well away from other dogs until your vet confirms they are no longer infectious.
How to protect your dog
Vaccination is the main tool, and in Australia this usually comes as part of the C5 vaccine, which adds cover against canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica on top of the core C3 vaccine. A few practical steps for the season:
- Ask your vet whether your dog is due for a C5 booster, especially before boarding, daycare or group training. Reputable facilities generally require it
- Remember the vaccine is not a full guarantee. Vaccinated dogs can still catch it, but they typically get a milder, shorter illness
- If your dog is coughing, do the right thing by other owners and keep them home
- Wash shared bowls and toys, and give your hands a wash after patting unfamiliar dogs
Talk to your vet about the best vaccination timing and schedule for your dog’s age and lifestyle, as protocols can vary between clinics.
Frequently asked questions
How long is my dog contagious? Dogs can shed the germs for a couple of weeks or more, even as they start to feel better. As a rule of thumb, keep your dog away from others until your vet gives the all clear.
Can I catch kennel cough from my dog? For healthy people the risk is very low. The bacteria involved can rarely affect people with weakened immune systems, so sensible hygiene is wise, but for most families it is not a concern.
My dog is vaccinated. Why did they still get it? The vaccine does not cover every strain, much like the human flu shot. It still helps, because vaccinated dogs usually have a milder case and recover faster.
Can cats catch kennel cough? Cats have their own respiratory infections, most notably cat flu. While Bordetella can occasionally affect cats, kennel cough is primarily a dog issue.
Key takeaways
- Canine cough is spreading this winter, helped along by holiday boarding and busy parks
- The classic sign is a sudden honking cough, often ending in a gag
- Most healthy adult dogs recover in one to three weeks with rest
- Puppies, seniors and dogs that are breathing hard or off their food need a vet
- A C5 booster and keeping coughing dogs at home are the best ways to slow the spread
