Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can affect dogs of any age, even those in good health. Despite its name, kennel cough isn't limited to boarding kennels—it can be contracted on walks, in dog parks, day-care facilities, or shared environments where dogs interact closely.

📌 Kennel cough is similar to the human common cold—while it’s often mild, it can lead to complications in puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised pets, making proper management essential.

🤧 Recognising Symptoms

Kennel cough symptoms vary in severity, but common signs include:

✔️ Dry, hacking cough – May sound like retching or a honking duck.

✔️ Coughing worsens with excitement or activity.

✔️ Watery eyes & nasal discharge in some cases.

✔️ Lethargy or mild fever (though less common).

🚨 Important: If you suspect kennel cough, call your vet before visiting the clinic, as it spreads easily.

🐾 Most vets diagnose it remotely or outside in the car park to avoid contaminating waiting areas.

🩺 Treating Kennel Cough at Home

✔️ Bone Broth or Alexander’s Natural Soup

🐾 Helps soothe the throat & maintain hydration—serve with meals or separately.

✔️ Manuka or Local Honey

🐾 1 tsp per 10kg of body weight, up to 3 times daily.

🚫 Not suitable for diabetic dogs.

🐾 Can be given alone or mixed with food to help coat the throat & ease irritation.

✔️ Steam Therapy

🐾 Sit with your dog in a closed bathroom while running a hot shower for max 5 minutes per session.

🚨 Never leave your dog unattended during steam sessions.

✔️ Moist air can help ease throat irritation & congestion.

✔️ Hydration Support

🐾 Ensure fresh, clean water is available at all times.

🐾 If your dog seems reluctant to drink, offer small amounts by hand to encourage hydration.

🐾 Avoid strenuous exercise while your dog is recovering—rest is key!

🚨 When to Call the Vet

📌 Seek veterinary advice if symptoms worsen or if any of the following occur:

✔️ Persistent lethargy or distress

✔️ Severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or refusal to eat/drink

✔️ Symptoms persist for more than a few days

🚨 Puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised pets require closer monitoring.

🐾 If symptoms deteriorate, kennel cough can develop into more serious respiratory infections—veterinary assessment is crucial in these cases.

🚫 Preventing Spread

✔️ Limit exposure to other dogs for at least 5 days after coughing stops, as your dog may still be contagious.

✔️ Wash food & water bowls daily to reduce bacterial spread.

✔️ Keep bedding clean & well-ventilated during recovery.

✔️ Avoid shared toys & communal water bowls in public spaces.

📌 Kennel cough vaccines are available, but they don’t prevent all strains, so maintaining good hygiene & monitoring symptoms remains vital.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Managing Kennel Cough Safely

✔️ Most mild cases resolve in 1–2 weeks with home care & monitoring.

✔️ Consult a vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

✔️ Minimise exposure risks to prevent spreading the infection.

🐾 With proper care, your dog can recover quickly while reducing the risk of passing kennel cough to others!

RFFDMSUK Privacy Policy can be found here, our Statement of Transparency is here, and our Terms & Conditions here

As an Amazon Associate, RFFDMSUK earn from qualifying purchases #CommissionsEarned