Canine Cough Information
What is Canine Cough?
Canine cough (often called "kennel cough") is a contagious upper respiratory infection spread through airborne particles. The most common symptom is a persistent, dry, hacking cough that may produce phlegm. Other symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, or lethargy. Most dogs recover within 3–7 days, though in some cases, symptoms can last longer.
Is There a Cure?
Like the human common cold, there is no instant cure—the virus must run its course. Vets may prescribe:
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Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
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Cough suppressants to reduce discomfort
These medications help manage symptoms but don’t eliminate the virus itself.
Key Facts About Canine Cough
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It’s not exclusive to kennels
The name “kennel cough” is misleading. Dogs can contract it anywhere—at dog parks, groomers, vet clinics, or even on walks. -
It’s airborne and highly contagious
Even with stringent cleaning, it cannot be fully eliminated. We clean with a veterinary-grade disinfectant (Safe4) daily, but airborne viruses can still spread. -
It’s seasonal
Outbreaks are more common during colder months, when dogs are indoors and in close proximity more often. -
It spreads fast
If your dog develops symptoms, please avoid contact with other dogs and notify us if your dog has recently stayed with us. -
Clean environments support recovery
Fresh bedding, fresh air flow, dehumidified air and a temperature controlled environment are key to a faster recovery. We clean with a product called "Safe4", a Veterinary grade disinfectant that kills all virus' and bacteria on contact.
But My Dog Is Vaccination - Can They Still Catch it?
Yes. The canine cough vaccine (which protects against Bordetella and Parainfluenza) covers only the most severe strains. However, there are many strains of the virus, so vaccinated dogs can still become infected—much like how people can still get the flu despite being vaccinated.
What to Watch for After Leaving the Kennels
Symptoms can take 3–10 days to appear after exposure. If your dog develops a cough, nasal discharge, or seems lethargic, please inform us so we can monitor the spread, and we can guide you for methods of care.
When to Avoid Boarding?
If you have dog that; is elderly, has a history of respiratory illness, or is immunocompromised, speak to your veterinarian before bringing your dog into boarding.
Why Are We Still Open if There's an Outbreak?
As canine cough is similar to the human cold or flu, most dogs recover quickly with rest and care. We believe offering complete transparency with clients about the risks is best for everyone's situation. Closing the kennels would get rid of the disease, but we have dogs that board with us for long periods, it could be a couple months for the dogs currently boarding to depart. After all that, there is still a high likelihood that it is immediately, unknowingly, brought back into the facility, as it won't just be our facility that has it.
Just like childcare centres can’t eliminate the common cold, we can’t completely prevent canine cough due to its airborne nature and wide range of strains. What we can do is manage exposure, isolate cases, and support dogs' recovery with good nutrition and care.
Monitoring Process
We isolate any symptomatic dogs into a dedicated wing, we keep notes on the dog's progress twice a day so we can ensure that the dog is receiving adequate care. We will organise veterinary treatment if we notice it's progressing into a secondary infection. Dog's in isolation still receive the same amount of play as all the others, they just won't be able to socialise while they're recovering.