Understanding Canine Cough: What Dog Owners Need to Know

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If you’ve spent time around dog daycares, parks, or boarding facilities, chances are you’ve heard of canine cough—commonly referred to as kennel cough. While the name might sound scary, it’s a relatively common and usually mild respiratory illness in dogs. Here’s what every dog owner should know about it.

What Is Canine Cough?

Canine cough is a highly contagious respiratory condition caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica in combination with parainfluenza virus or adenovirus. It’s similar to a human cold and spreads easily wherever dogs congregate—think daycare, boarding, veterinarian offices, grooming salons, dog parks, or even on daily walks.

How Is It Contracted?

Canine cough is airborne and spreads through coughing, sneezing, and shared surfaces like water bowls or toys. Dogs can catch it by simply being near another infected dog, even if that dog isn't showing symptoms yet. It’s most common in places with lots of canine interaction, especially indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of canine cough may appear 3–10 days after exposure and can include:

• A dry, hacking cough (often sounds like your dog is trying to clear their throat)

• Gagging or retching, especially after excitement or activity

• Sneezing or nasal discharge

• Mild lethargy or loss of appetite in some cases

• Rarely, a low-grade fever

Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within 1–3 weeks, but in puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised pets, it can lead to more serious issues like pneumonia.

Important Facts About Canine Cough

Dogs can be contagious before they show symptoms, and for up to 2–3 weeks after symptoms resolve.

Not all cases are preventable—even vaccinated dogs can still get it, though often with milder symptoms.

It’s rarely dangerous, but you should always call your vet if your dog is coughing, especially if they are very young, old, or have underlying health concerns.

Just like with human colds, rest, hydration, and supportive care are usually enough for recovery.

Prevention Tips

Vaccinate against Bordetella, canine parainfluenza, and adenovirus. These vaccines don’t guarantee prevention but can reduce the severity and duration of illness.

• Avoid high-risk areas if there’s a known outbreak in your area.

• Maintain good ventilation and hygiene at home and in pet care facilities.

• Choose daycares and boarding facilities with strong health and safety practices.

Our Protocols at Camp Ruff It

At Camp Ruff It, your dog’s health is our top priority. We go above and beyond to keep our facility clean, safe, and comfortable:

• Thorough Facility Cleaning, Multiple Times Daily: Cleanliness is a top priority at Camp Ruff It. Our entire facility is cleaned from top to bottom several times a day using pet-safe disinfectants. We sanitize all play areas, resting spots, floors, feeding stations, and high-touch surfaces to minimize the spread of germs and ensure a fresh, healthy environment for every dog in our care.

  
  

• Fresh, Clean Water Available at All Times: We change out water bowls frequently throughout the day to ensure every dog has constant access to clean, fresh water. This helps prevent the spread of illness and encourages hydration, especially during active play.

  
  

• Proactive Health Monitoring & Quarantine Protocols: Our experienced team closely monitors all dogs for any signs of illness, including coughing, lethargy, or changes in appetite or behavior. If a dog shows symptoms, they are gently removed from the group and kept comfortable in a designated quarantine area until they can be picked up. We contact owners immediately to discuss next steps and support a safe recovery at home.

  
  

• Advanced Air Quality With UV Light Filtration: To help reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria, we’ve installed UV light technology in our HVAC systems. These specialized lights sanitize the air as it circulates, offering an extra layer of protection that’s especially valuable during peak cold and flu seasons for dogs.

  
  

• Daily Fresh Air Circulation in Our Indoor Space: Even though our facility is indoors, it doesn’t feel closed in. We open our large, screened garage door every day to allow fresh air to flow through the building. This natural ventilation keeps the air clean and comfortable, and helps reduce airborne particles that can contribute to the spread of illness.

Should I Send My Dog to Daycare During a Canine Cough Cycle?

Pros:

• Dogs still get essential exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation.

• Your dog's immune system can strengthen through natural exposure, much like kids at school.

• Facilities like ours have strict prevention protocols in place to minimize risk.

Cons:

• There’s always a chance of exposure, even with vaccines and enhanced cleaning.

• If your dog is elderly, very young, or has respiratory issues, extra caution is advised.

• Even vaccinated dogs can contract and spread the illness.

Final Thoughts

Canine cough is a reality of social dog life, but it’s manageable and usually mild. With the right precautions—vaccination, hygiene, and smart care choices—your dog can stay happy, healthy, and well-socialized. At Camp Ruff It, we’re committed to providing a safe, loving environment while keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you have questions or want to chat about your pup’s health, we're always here for you.