Guide: kennel cough in puppies
Kennel Cough in Puppies: Symptoms and When to Worry
Kennel cough in puppies is a contagious respiratory infection, known to vets as canine infectious respiratory disease complex. The classic sign is a sudden, honking cough. Most dogs recover fully within 7 to 10 days. However, puppies are at greater risk of complications such as pneumonia, so a coughing puppy should always be checked by a vet.
What is kennel cough in puppies?
It is not one disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) describes kennel cough as a syndrome that several viruses and bacteria can cause, alone or together (AVMA).
Common culprits include the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2. In other words, “kennel cough” describes the cough, not the germ.
Symptoms
- A frequent, dry, honking cough that starts suddenly
- Sneezing
- A runny nose or runny eyes
- Mild tiredness
- Sometimes a low fever
Many dogs stay bright and keep eating. The cough often sounds worse than the dog feels.
How it spreads
The germs pass through the air and by direct contact, much like a cold in a classroom. Therefore, the risk is highest wherever dogs share space: boarding kennels, shelters, daycare, grooming salons, training classes and dog parks.
Cornell University’s canine health center notes that Bordetella can keep spreading for a long time after a dog seems better. So keep a recovering puppy away from other dogs until your vet says it is safe.
Is kennel cough in puppies dangerous?
Usually it is mild. However, the AVMA warns that it can become debilitating and progress to pneumonia, and that puppies and dogs with weak immune systems are at greater risk.
Call your vet promptly if your puppy:
- Breathes fast or with effort
- Stops eating or drinking
- Becomes very tired
- Has a fever, or thick yellow or green discharge
- Is still coughing after 7 to 10 days
Treatment
Many cases only need rest and time. Your vet may add a cough suppressant, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
At home, use a harness instead of a collar, because pressure on the throat sets off coughing. Keep the puppy warm, quiet and away from smoke. In addition, never give human cough medicine unless your vet tells you to.
Preventing kennel cough in puppies
- Core vaccines. The standard puppy combination vaccine covers adenovirus, and usually parainfluenza as well.
- Bordetella vaccine. This is an optional vaccine for dogs with a social life. It comes as a nasal spray, an oral dose or an injection. Kennels, groomers and classes often require it.
- Sensible timing. Avoid crowded dog places until the vaccine series is finished.
No vaccine covers every cause, so a vaccinated dog can still catch a mild case. See our puppy vaccine schedule and when puppies can go outside.
Related guides
- Puppy Vaccine Schedule and Deworming: What Is Done Before Go-Home and What Comes Next
- Home Raised vs Kennel Raised Puppies: What Is the Difference?
- Parvo in Puppies: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
- Giardia in Puppies: Symptoms, Treatment and Cleaning Up
- Worms in Puppies: Types, Signs and the Deworming Schedule
See all our puppy guides, read about our health testing, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough). avma.org
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Bordetellosis. vet.cornell.edu
- American Kennel Club. Bordetella Vaccine: What to Know About the Vaccine for Dogs. akc.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
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