Kennel Cough and How to Prevent It
If you're planning to board your dog, kennel cough is something you need to know about — not to worry about, but to protect against. At Greenbank, we require every dog to be vaccinated against kennel cough before they stay with us. It's one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog — and every other dog in our care — safe and healthy.
What Exactly Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough — technically known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis — is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, often combined with viral infections. It spreads through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, and it can survive in the environment for some time. The UK's damp climate unfortunately makes it easier for the bacteria to thrive.
Despite the name, dogs don't only catch it in kennels — they can pick it up anywhere dogs mix: parks, training classes, groomers, even from the street. But kennels are an obvious place where it can spread if dogs aren't vaccinated, which is why responsible kennels insist on it.
The good news? Kennel cough is usually not serious in otherwise healthy adult dogs. With the right care, most dogs recover fully within a couple of weeks. But it's unpleasant for them and very contagious, so prevention is absolutely the best approach.
What to Watch For
- A persistent, dry, honking cough — this is the classic symptom and often sounds like something is stuck in the dog's throat
- Coughing up a white, frothy substance
- Swollen or red eyelids, sometimes resembling conjunctivitis
- A runny nose or nasal discharge
- Symptoms typically appear 2–14 days after exposure
Young puppies and elderly dogs are more vulnerable and can develop more severe symptoms. Unlike human flu, which usually clears up quickly, the kennel cough pathogen can linger in a dog's system for weeks or even months after they appear to have recovered.
Treatment and Recovery
If your dog develops kennel cough, contact your vet straight away. They'll assess the severity and prescribe the appropriate treatment — this might include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or simply rest and supportive care. Most dogs recover well with prompt treatment, but leaving it can lead to complications like pneumonia.
The Simple Solution: Vaccination
The kennel cough vaccine is quick, easy, and very effective. It's usually given as a nasal spray — no needles involved, which most dogs handle fine. The crucial thing is timing: the vaccine must be given at least 72 hours before your dog goes into kennels. We can't accept unvaccinated dogs because it puts every animal at risk.
Most vets recommend an annual booster to keep protection current. If your dog's vaccination has lapsed, book an appointment with your vet well in advance of your planned kennel stay. It's a small step that makes a huge difference.