How long does kennel cough last and what is it?

Does your dog have a dry, hacking cough, but appear fine in every other way?

Photo of a dog outdoors showing symptoms of kennel cough, a common respiratory infection in dogs. The dog is coughing, a sign of kennel cough, which spreads in places like kennels and dog parks.

Overview

Kennel cough is a common illness in dogs that affects their breathing. It’s mainly caused by bacteria called Bordetella and a virus called canine parainfluenza. This infection irritates the dog's throat and windpipe, making them cough a lot.

Most of the time, kennel cough isn’t serious and goes away in about three weeks. But it can make puppies and older dogs more likely to get other illnesses. If you're worried, talk to your vet.

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Medically reviewed by Becky Keeble

Published on 21/06/2018 • Reviewed on 04/11/2024