When identifying kennel cough in dogs, the most recognizable sign is a dry, harsh, hacking cough that often sounds as if the dog is trying to clear its throat or has something stuck in its airway. While the cough is distinctive, other symptoms and the dog's overall condition help distinguish kennel cough from allergies, choking, or more serious respiratory diseases.
1. What Does Kennel Cough Sound Like?
The cough is often described as:
- Dry and hacking
- Loud and persistent
- Honking or goose-like
- Gagging or retching at the end of a coughing episode
- As if the dog is trying to cough up something but cannot
✔ The cough may become more noticeable during exercise, excitement, or when pressure is applied to the neck (such as from a collar).
2. Other Common Symptoms
Along with coughing, dogs may have:
- Sneezing
- Mild nasal discharge
- Watery eyes
- Occasional gagging
- Reduced energy (in some cases)
- Mild decrease in appetite
Many dogs with uncomplicated kennel cough remain alert and continue eating and drinking normally.
3. How It Differs from Other Conditions
✔ Allergies
Often cause:
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin or ears
- Watery eyes
- Mild coughing (less common)
✔ Allergies usually do not cause the characteristic harsh, honking cough.
✔ Choking
Typically involves:
- Sudden onset
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Repeated attempts to cough or gag
✔ Choking is an emergency if the airway is blocked.
✔ Other Respiratory Conditions
Conditions such as pneumonia, heart disease, or chronic airway disease may cause:
- Wet or productive cough
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Exercise intolerance
These often produce additional signs beyond the classic kennel cough.
4. When Veterinary Care Is Needed
Contact a veterinarian if your dog:
- Has difficulty breathing
- Develops a persistent cough lasting more than a week or two
- Stops eating or drinking
- Becomes unusually lethargic
- Has a fever
- Produces thick nasal discharge
- Is a puppy, senior dog, or has a weakened immune system
Prompt evaluation is also important if the cough worsens rather than improves.
5. How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough is highly contagious and commonly spreads through:
- Boarding kennels
- Dog parks
- Grooming facilities
- Daycare centers
- Training classes
Dogs with suspected kennel cough should avoid close contact with other dogs until cleared by a veterinarian.
6. Key Takeaway
Kennel cough is most commonly recognized by its dry, harsh, hacking, or goose-like honking cough, often followed by gagging. Unlike allergies or choking, it typically develops after exposure to other dogs and may be accompanied by mild respiratory symptoms while the dog otherwise appears fairly well. However, difficulty breathing, fever, severe lethargy, loss of appetite, or a worsening cough should prompt veterinary evaluation, as these may indicate a more serious respiratory condition or complication.