Kennel Cough in Dogs: A 2025 Guide to CIRD, Symptoms, Vaccines, and Treatment 🐶💨

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Kennel cough, now commonly referred to as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), is a highly contagious respiratory infection. While often mild, it can progress to pneumonia, especially in puppies, seniors, or dogs with other health issues. Let’s explore how kennel cough spreads, what it looks like, and how to manage and prevent it in 2025. 🩺

🔬 What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is an infectious tracheobronchitis—inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. Dogs with it have a harsh, hacking cough, like “something stuck in their throat.”

Uncomplicated cases:

• 😌 No fever or appetite loss
• 🗓️ Lasts 1–2 weeks
• 🐾 Dog remains active and happy

Complicated cases: Can progress to pneumonia if the dog is young, old, immunocompromised, or infected with more aggressive pathogens.

🦠 Common Causes of Kennel Cough

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus type 2
• Canine distemper virus
• Canine influenza virus
• Mycoplasma canis
• Canine respiratory coronavirus

Most cases involve multiple organisms.

📡 How Infection Spreads

Spread via:

• 💨 Airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing)
• 🐾 Shared toys, water bowls, or food dishes
• 👃 Sniffing other dogs

Risk increases in:

• 🏠 Boarding facilities
• 🐕 Dog shows or grooming salons
• 🐾 Training classes or shelters

🤧 Recognizing a Cough

Reverse sneezing is often confused with coughing. Coughing is harsher and may be productive (ending in gagging or mucus). Reverse sneezing sounds like throat clearing and usually resolves quickly. 🎥

🩺 Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

• 🧾 Exposure history (e.g., dog park or kennel visit)
• 🩺 Physical exam
• 🖥️ Chest X-rays if pneumonia is suspected
• 🧪 PCR tests for specific pathogens (available at many labs)

💊 Treatment Options

• 🛌 Uncomplicated cases resolve on their own
• 💊 Cough suppressants can help
• 🧫 Antibiotics used if bacterial pneumonia is suspected
• 🏥 Hospitalization for dogs with pneumonia (oxygen, IV fluids)

If the dog seems listless, refuses food, or cough worsens—contact your vet immediately. ⏱️

💉 Vaccines for Prevention

Vaccines are available for:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Canine parainfluenza
• Adenovirus type 2
• Canine distemper (part of DHPP shot)
• Canine influenza (separate vaccine)

Vaccine Formats:

• 🦠 Intranasal: Fastest protection (4 days); includes local immunity
• 🧪 Oral: Easy to give, usually Bordetella only
• 💉 Injectable: Good for dogs who won’t tolerate nasal vaccines

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• 📅 Vaccinate at least 4 days before boarding or dog park visits
• 🧼 Disinfect shared bowls and toys
• 🌬️ Ensure good ventilation in kennels
• 🚫 Isolate coughing dogs

📱 Ask A Vet: Respiratory Support for Dogs

• 🩺 Guidance on vaccines and timing
• 🤒 Help deciding when to see your vet
• 📋 Home care tips for coughing dogs
• 🧬 Interpreting PCR results

Visit AskAVet.com or use the app to talk to a vet anytime. 🐾

✅ Summary: Kennel Cough in 2025

• 🗣️ Harsh cough, may be dry or productive
• 🧫 Caused by multiple viruses and bacteria
• 💉 Vaccine available for some, not all, causes
• ⏱️ Most dogs recover in 1–2 weeks
• ⚠️ Severe cases may develop pneumonia

Kennel cough is usually mild—but contagious and preventable. Be proactive with vaccination, isolation, and care when signs appear. 🐶🛡️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc