If your dog has suddenly developed a dry, honking cough that sounds like something is stuck in their throat, kennel cough is a likely culprit. It is a very common, usually mild airway infection that spreads easily wherever dogs mix. Most dogs recover on their own within a couple of weeks with rest and a bit of care, but some need a vet, and knowing which is which matters.
I see plenty of coughs come through the salon, and owners are often more alarmed than they need to be, though it is always worth a proper check. Here is what kennel cough looks like, how it passes between dogs, how to help at home, and the signs that mean a call to your vet.
What kennel cough sounds and looks like
The classic sign is a sudden, forceful, dry cough that often ends in a retch or a gagging noise, as though your dog is trying to bring something up. It can be surprisingly loud and honking.
Other things you might notice:
- Coughing that gets worse with excitement, exercise or pressure on the neck (a collar and lead can set it off)
- The odd sneeze or a runny nose
- Bringing up a little white foam after a coughing fit
- Otherwise bright, eating well and full of themselves
That last point is important. A dog with straightforward kennel cough usually feels fine in themselves. A dog who is off their food, lethargic or feverish needs a vet, as covered below.
How kennel cough spreads
Kennel cough (properly called canine infectious respiratory disease) is caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses, and it is very contagious. It spreads through:
- Airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes
- Direct contact between dogs, nose to nose
- Shared items like water bowls, toys and even hands and clothing
Anywhere dogs gather is a risk: kennels and daycare, training classes, busy parks, and yes, the groomer's. It is nothing to do with cleanliness, it is simply how respiratory bugs move around a social species. There is more background on the causes and biology of kennel cough on Wikipedia if you like the detail.
If your dog is coughing, please keep them away from other dogs (and let us know before any grooming appointment) until they have been clear for a week or so, to avoid passing it on.
Worth knowing: Because kennel cough is so infectious, a good salon or daycare will ask you to reschedule if your dog is coughing. It is not us being difficult, it is protecting every other dog on the books that day.
Caring for a coughing dog at home
For a bright, otherwise well dog, gentle home care is usually enough while the infection runs its course, which tends to be one to three weeks. The PDSA guide to kennel cough is a reliable, vet-written reference to read alongside this.
Things that help:
- Swap the collar for a harness so nothing presses on the windpipe and triggers coughing
- Keep exercise gentle and short, avoiding anything that gets them puffing
- Rest and calm, a quiet house rather than lots of visitors and excitement
- Steamy air can soothe the airways: sit with your dog in the bathroom while a hot shower runs (never in the water itself)
- Fresh water and tempting food to keep them eating and drinking
Do not give any human cough medicines. Some are toxic to dogs, and doses are a matter for your vet only.
When to see the vet
Most cases clear up without treatment, but please contact your vet if:
- Your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has an existing heart or breathing condition
- The cough lasts more than a couple of weeks or is getting worse
- Your dog seems unwell in themselves: off their food, flat, or feverish
- You notice fast or laboured breathing, or bringing up green or yellow mucus
- The cough is severe enough to disturb sleep or cause distress
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories where needed. For anything sudden and severe out of hours, an emergency vet service can advise. Trust your gut: you know your dog's normal, and a quick call is always worth it.
A note on vaccination
There is a kennel cough vaccine, usually given as a squirt up the nose, and many kennels and daycares ask for it before a stay. It does not cover every strain, so a vaccinated dog can still catch a milder version, but it lowers the risk and the severity. Whether it is right for your dog depends on their lifestyle and how often they mix with others, so it is a good chat to have at their annual check-up.
Frequently asked questions
How long is kennel cough contagious?
A dog can spread kennel cough while coughing and for a week or two after they seem better. As a rule, keep them away from other dogs until they have been cough-free for about a week, and check with your vet if unsure.
Can I catch kennel cough from my dog?
It is extremely rare. The bugs behind kennel cough almost always stay dog to dog. Sensible hygiene, washing your hands after handling a poorly dog, is plenty.
Does kennel cough need antibiotics?
Often not. Most dogs recover on their own with rest and gentle care. Antibiotics are reserved for dogs who are genuinely unwell or not improving, and that is your vet's call.
Can my dog still be groomed with kennel cough?
No, please reschedule. It is highly contagious to other dogs in the salon, and a coughing dog will not enjoy the handling anyway. Rebook once they have been clear for a week.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Our one-to-one setup means your dog is never in a room full of other dogs, which we think matters for both comfort and health. Get in touch to book once your dog is well.