My dog is hacking(dry cough)... Could It Be Kennel Cough?

🚨Is My Dog Coughing? Could It Be Kennel Cough?

Learn the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of Kennel Cough — all in one vet-approved guide!

🐶 Is Your Dog Coughing at Night?

“My dog has been coughing since last night… Is it just a cold or could it be Kennel Cough?”

Sudden coughing in dogs can be alarming. Especially if your dog recently visited a grooming salon, doggy daycare, or dog café, you should consider the possibility of Kennel Cough — a contagious respiratory infection.

🦠 What Causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is a complex infection involving multiple bacteria and viruses:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica – the most common bacterial cause
• Canine Parainfluenza Virus
• Canine Adenovirus Type 2

These spread through airborne droplets, saliva, nasal discharge, and contaminated items. Multi-dog environments increase the risk.

😷 Symptoms of Kennel Cough

• Dry, honking cough: Sounds like choking
• Vomiting white foam after coughing
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever (rare or advanced cases)

Vet Tip: Record the cough or take a video to show your vet. It helps with diagnosis.

🩺 Diagnosis and Treatment

🧪 Diagnosis

• Recent exposure to other dogs
• Physical exam and listening to lungs
• Tracheal palpation test

💊 Treatment Options

Condition	Treatment
Mild symptoms	Rest, humidifier, cough suppressants
Bacterial suspicion	Antibiotics
Viral cause	Antivirals if needed
Severe case	Hospitalization, oxygen therapy, IV fluids

⚠️ Do NOT give human cold medicine to your dog!
Always follow a veterinarian’s prescription.

💉 How to Prevent Kennel Cough

📌 Who Needs Vaccination?

• Dogs visiting groomers, daycare, or boarding
• Dogs exposed to other dogs on walks
• Dogs in outbreak areas

💉 Vaccine Types

• Injectable
• Intranasal drops (fast response)

🧼 Daily Prevention Tips

• Clean and disinfect indoor spaces
• Maintain good humidity
• Avoid sick dogs
• Clean paws and fur after walks

📍 Final Note: Stay Calm, Act Early

Kennel Cough is common but treatable with early care. Don’t panic — just observe, record, and visit your vet.