Kennel cough in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a cough in dogs.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a cough in dogs.[1] More severe cases can occasionally cause a high temperature or reduced appetite.[1]
Signs
How vets treat it
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories to reduce airway inflammation and bring down a high temperature
- Medication
What the experts say
“Overview. Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a nasty cough in dogs. More severe cases can occasionally result in symptoms such as a high temperature or a reduced appetite. Call your vet for advice if you think your dog has kennel cough.”
Not sure how serious it is?
OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.
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Common questions
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is an airway infection that causes a nasty cough in dogs.[1]
What signs can dogs have?
Dogs can have a cough, reduced appetite, low energy (lethargy) or a high temperature (fever).[1]
When should I contact a vet?
Call your vet for advice if you think your dog has kennel cough.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Lungworm