By Dr. Jess Trimble

Kennel Cough is a very contagious respiratory disease. Kennel cough outbreaks occur where canines interact, such as dog parks, boarding & grooming facilities, and training groups & socials.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Kennel Cough?

Dogs with kennel cough can show a variety of symptoms, most frequently a strong “honking” cough. Other symptoms can include:

• Nasal discharge

• Sneezing

• Lower energy

• Reduced appetite

• Low grade fever

While symptoms can vary, the best way to diagnose kennel cough is to contact a veterinarian for an evaluation. Our veterinary team is always available for consultations via our mobile app and can help point you in the right direction.

How To Prevent Kennel Cough

The signs and severity of Kennel Cough can be minimized through vaccination with the Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine protects your pet against the bacteria that causes most Kennel Cough cases. Fuzzy recommends the bordetella vaccine for all dogs who share proximity with other dogs, as the benefits are significant and the risks of vaccination are very low. The bordetella vaccination is included for free each year with a Fuzzy Pet Health membership.

What To Do If You Think Your Pet Has Kennel Cough?

Our veterinary team is available for digital health consultations, but typically a diagnosis requires a checkup (either in-home with a Fuzzy vet or in a clinic). If a veterinarian diagnoses your pet with kennel cough, a couple weeks of rest & avoiding contact with other dogs is a typical course of treatment. If medically indicated, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary infections or a medication to ease the severity of coughing.