Kennel Cough Frequently Asked Questions - Keep Your Labrador Healthy!

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract in dogs that is often compared to the human flu. Labs with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable to the condition because their bodies are not strong enough to fight the infection. Kennel cough is also more prevalent in crowded areas such as shelters or kennels, hence its name.

What are the causes of kennel cough?

Similar to the flu in people, kennel cough in dogs can also be caused by different bacteria and viruses. Some of these include; canine parainfluenza, coronavirus, distemper and Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the most common culprit.

How is kennel cough transmitted?

Kennel cough in dogs is transmitted either through the air or through accidental ingestion of the bacteria or virus. In other words, your Labrador can be infected by;

• Inhaling air contaminated by an infected dog.


• Drinking out of the same bowl as an infected canine.


• Being in the same room or having close contact with an infected dog (licking, breathing same air, playing, etc.)


• Accidentally ingesting the virus or bacteria from contaminated surfaces or objects (floor, counters, toys, etc.)

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

Some of the common signs of kennel cough in dogs include; coughing, nasal or chest congestion, bloody or excessive discharge from the nose, fever, lethargy, vomiting, decreased appetite, and eye discharge. If you think your Labrador may have kennel cough, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your vet right away and let the receptionist know of the symptoms. This way, they can reserve an exam room instead of having you stay in the waiting area and possibly expose other dogs to the disease.

How is kennel cough treated?

Fluid therapy, rest, humidification therapy, a cough suppressant, and other forms of supportive care are the only things usually required for mild cases of kennel cough caused by a virus. However, antibiotics and additional medication may be prescribed if the infection is more severe or your vet believes it is caused by bacteria.

How long is recovery time?

Most dogs take 3 to 6 weeks to completely recover from kennel cough. During this time, it’s extremely important that you follow your vet’s instructions carefully and notify him or her if new symptoms appear or if your Lab’s condition worsens. You may also have to take your Lab in for follow-up exams and testing so that your vet can monitor the progress and prevent complications such as pneumonia.

Should my Labrador be vaccinated against kennel cough?

There is a kennel cough vaccine available in three forms; oral, injected, and intranasal. However, it is not effective against all viruses and bacteria that cause the condition. For this reason, it’s important that you talk to your vet about the pros and cons of the kennel cough vaccine and make a decision as to whether or not your Labrador can benefit from it. If your dog is professionally groomed, goes to training classes, or stays at a canine boarding facilities, the vaccine will be required. The kennel cough vaccine is typically recommended every 6 months for dogs with a high risk of infection and once a year for all other canines.

 We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. In return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made. – M. Ackklam

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