# How Long Is Kennel Cough Contagious in Dogs? Kennel cough in dogs is how long contagious depends on the germ involved, but most dogs spread it for about 7 to 14 days after symptoms start. Some dogs, especially those with the bacterial form, can keep shedding for several weeks. Plan on keeping your coughing dog away from other dogs for at least 14 days, and longer if your veterinarian advises it. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Most dogs are contagious for roughly 7 to 14 days after signs begin, and the incubation period is typically 2 to 10 days [1]. - The bacterial cause, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can be shed for longer than the viral causes, so some dogs remain contagious for weeks [2]. - Keep your dog away from other dogs for a minimum of 14 days, and until the cough has fully resolved. - The cough itself usually lasts about two weeks, though it can linger longer in some dogs [1]. - Dogs in shelters, boarding, daycare, or multi-dog homes need stricter isolation because the disease spreads fast in close confinement [2]. ## What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is inflammation of the upper airways, mainly the trachea and bronchi [2][3]. The term covers a group of diseases instead of one single infection, which is why it is also called canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) [1]. The classic sign is a dry, harsh, honking cough that sounds like something is stuck in your dog's throat [1]. Most cases are mild and get better on their own, but the infection can become serious in puppies, older dogs, and dogs with other health problems [2]. Kennel cough spreads easily wherever dogs are housed close together. Veterinary hospitals, doggy daycare, boarding kennels, shelters, grooming facilities, competitions, and dog parks are all common places for it to move through a group [2][1]. ## How Long Is a Dog With Kennel Cough Contagious? This is the question most owners ask, and the honest answer is that it varies. The contagious window depends on which pathogen is causing the infection and how long your dog keeps shedding it. For most dogs, the contagious period runs about 7 to 14 days from the time signs appear. The incubation period, meaning the time between exposure and the first symptoms, is typically 2 to 10 days [1]. That matters because your dog may be spreading the infection before you ever notice a cough. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacterium most often linked to kennel cough, and it can act as a primary pathogen on its own [2][4]. Dogs infected with Bordetella may shed the bacteria for longer than dogs with a purely viral infection. In practical terms, some dogs stay contagious for several weeks. Co-infections are common. Bordetella, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2 frequently show up together [2]. When more than one germ is involved, the shedding period can be harder to predict. Because of this uncertainty, veterinarians usually recommend a conservative quarantine. Fourteen days is a reasonable minimum for a mild case. If your dog is still coughing after two weeks, assume it is still contagious and keep it separated. ### How Long Does Kennel Cough Last? Most dogs recover within about two weeks [1]. The cough often lingers a bit after the dog otherwise feels fine, which can make owners think the infection is gone when it is not. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop. Signs of pneumonia include labored breathing, a moist cough, high fever, and nasal discharge [1]. When that happens, the illness lasts longer and needs more aggressive treatment. Some dogs develop a chronic cough that outlasts the infection itself. Chronic bronchitis is a known complication in debilitated adult or aged dogs [2]. ### How Long Should My Dog Quarantine With Kennel Cough? Keep your dog away from all other dogs for at least 14 days from the start of symptoms. Do not take it to daycare, boarding, the groomer, the dog park, or pet store events during that time. If you have multiple dogs, separate them as much as your home allows. Feed them in different areas and use separate water bowls. The infection spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing, direct dog-to-dog contact, and contaminated objects like food bowls, water bowls, and door handles [1]. Wash your hands after handling the sick dog. Change your clothes if a healthy dog will be climbing on you right after. Your dog can still go outside to potty in your own yard. Just keep it away from areas where other dogs roam and where nose-to-nose contact could happen. If the cough is still going strong at the two-week mark, call your veterinarian before you end quarantine. They can help you decide whether more isolation time is needed. ## Signs Owners Notice The hallmark sign is that honking cough. It is dry, harsh, and non-productive, and it often sounds worse than the dog actually feels [1]. Other signs owners commonly report include: - A cough that gets worse with exercise, excitement, or pulling on the leash - Gagging or retching at the end of a coughing fit - A runny nose or sneezing - Mild lethargy or a reduced appetite - A normal or slightly elevated temperature in mild cases If the cough comes and goes, that pattern can be confusing. You can read more about that in [Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms Come And Go](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-kennel-cough-symptoms-come-and-go). Severe cases look different. Watch for labored breathing, a moist or wet cough, high fever, and nasal discharge. Those signs point toward pneumonia and need prompt veterinary care [1]. ## Causes and Risk Factors Kennel cough has multiple causes. The main players are Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine influenza [2]. Canine distemper virus is a less likely cause [2]. Secondary bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae can move in after a viral infection damages the respiratory tract [2]. Mycoplasma has been suggested as a factor, but its role is not clearly established [2]. Risk factors that raise the odds of infection or make it worse include: - Close confinement with other dogs, such as shelters, boarding facilities, and daycare [2] - Stress - Extremes of ventilation, temperature, and humidity [2] - Young age, since puppies are more prone to severe disease [2] - Being an older or debilitated adult dog [2] Dogs of all ages can be affected [2]. Social dogs face the highest exposure simply because they meet more dogs. ## How Kennel Cough Is Diagnosed Most veterinarians diagnose kennel cough from the history and physical exam. A recent stay at a boarding facility, a trip to daycare, or a new cough after a dog park visit is a strong clue. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's breathing and may gently palpate the trachea. A dog with kennel cough often coughs when the windpipe is lightly pressed. Testing is not always needed for a mild, typical case. When the diagnosis is unclear or the dog is very sick, your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork, chest X-rays, or a sample from the airways to identify the pathogen and check for pneumonia. ## Treatment Options Treatment depends on how sick your dog is. Many mild cases need rest, good hydration, and time. Most cases of kennel cough are caused by viral illness, so antibiotics are not warranted for those [1]. Antibiotics are reserved for dogs at high risk of secondary bacterial infection, such as dogs in shelter situations [1]. When antibiotics are used, doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice [1]. Your veterinarian calculates any dose from your dog's weight and health. Never give leftover antibiotics or human cough medicine to your dog. For dogs with pneumonia, treatment is more aggressive. That can include hospitalization with IV antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and fluids [1]. At home, keep your dog calm. Exercise and excitement trigger coughing fits. Use a harness instead of a collar to take pressure off the throat. You can find more practical tips in [How To Help Dog With Kennel Cough](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/how-to-help-dog-with-kennel-cough). | Situation | Typical Contagious Window | Quarantine Guidance | |---|---|---| | Mild case, viral cause | About 7 to 14 days | At least 14 days, until cough resolves | | Bordetella infection | Can be several weeks | Longer isolation, follow veterinary advice | | Multiple dogs in the home | Same as above | Separate dogs, separate bowls, wash hands | | Cough still present at 2 weeks | Still likely contagious | Call your veterinarian before ending isolation | | Pneumonia | Longer, unknown | Strict isolation plus veterinary treatment | ## Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management The outlook for uncomplicated kennel cough is good. Most dogs recover within about two weeks [1]. Some dogs take longer. A lingering cough after the infection clears is common, and your veterinarian may want to recheck your dog if it persists. Long-term management centers on reducing exposure. If your dog goes to daycare or boarding often, talk with your veterinarian about vaccination timing and facility policies. Vaccines for Bordetella are typically recommended every 6 to 12 months, given either orally or intranasally [5]. A newer oral vaccine combining Bordetella and canine parainfluenza has shown duration of immunity of one year in challenge studies [6]. Vaccination lowers the risk of severe disease, but it does not make the risk zero. Vaccinated dogs can still develop kennel cough from other pathogens or from strains not covered by the vaccine. ## Prevention Prevention comes down to vaccination, smart social choices, and quick isolation when a cough appears. - Keep core and respiratory vaccines current. Talk with your veterinarian about how often your dog needs Bordetella vaccination based on lifestyle [5]. - Ask about facility protocols before boarding or daycare. Good facilities require vaccination and screen for coughing dogs. - Avoid shared water bowls and communal toys at dog events. - Isolate any dog with a new cough right away, even before you have a diagnosis. - Wash your hands and change clothes after handling a coughing dog if you have other dogs at home. If your dog has been exposed to a coughing dog, watch closely for 2 to 10 days, since that is the typical incubation window [1]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article gives general guidance. Your dog's individual case needs a veterinarian who can examine it and set a plan for your pet. Call your veterinarian the same day if your dog: - Has a moist or wet cough instead of a dry one - Has a fever - Has nasal discharge that is thick or colored - Is eating less or acting more tired than usual - Is a puppy, senior, or has another health condition Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog: - Is breathing with effort, or its sides are heaving - Has blue, gray, or pale gums - Is gasping, struggling for air, or cannot settle - Collapses or seems weak If your dog is coughing and you are not sure whether it is kennel cough or something else, this guide can help you sort out the possibilities: [Dog Coughing: Kennel Cough, Allergies, or Something Worse?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/online-vet-and-care-costs/dog-coughing-kennel-cough-allergies). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can my dog get kennel cough again after recovering? Yes, a dog can get kennel cough more than once. The illness has multiple causes, and immunity to one pathogen does not protect against the others [2]. Vaccination lowers the risk of severe disease but does not block every infection. ### Can I catch kennel cough from my dog? Human infection from Bordetella bronchiseptica is rare but has been reported, mostly in people with weakened immune systems. If anyone in your home is immunocompromised, talk with a physician about precautions. Good handwashing after contact with a coughing dog is a sensible step. ### Do I need to throw away my dog's toys and bedding? You do not need to throw them away, but you should wash them. The infection can spread through contaminated objects like bowls and shared items [1]. Wash bedding, bowls, and washable toys in hot water and soap, and let them dry fully. ### Can my dog go to daycare if it is still coughing but acting normal? No. A dog that is still coughing can still be shedding the germ. Keep it home until the cough has fully stopped and your quarantine period is complete. Call your veterinarian if you are unsure whether it is safe to return. ### Does my dog need antibiotics for kennel cough? Most cases do not need antibiotics because most are caused by viruses [1]. Antibiotics are used when the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, and doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice in those cases [1]. Your veterinarian decides whether your dog needs them. ## Related Articles - [Kennel Cough Symptoms Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/kennel-cough-symptoms-dog) - [Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms Come And Go](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-kennel-cough-symptoms-come-and-go) - [Dog Coughing: Kennel Cough, Allergies, or Something Worse?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/online-vet-and-care-costs/dog-coughing-kennel-cough-allergies) - [How To Help Dog With Kennel Cough](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/how-to-help-dog-with-kennel-cough) - [Can I Give My Dog Kennel Cough](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/can-i-give-my-dog-kennel-cough) - [Kennel Cough Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/symptoms-of-kennel-cough) - [Is Pneumonia in Dogs Contagious to Other Pets?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/is-pneumonia-in-dogs-contagious) - [Pneumonia in Dogs: How Long It Lasts and Survival Rate](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/pneumonia-dogs-duration-survival-rate) - [Can Dogs Get Cat Herpes or Kennel Cough From Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-and-routine-care/cat-herpes-kennel-cough-dogs) - [Bordetella bronchiseptica in Dogs and Cats: Kennel Cough Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Control](/knowledge/bacteria/pet-bacteria/bordetella-bronchiseptica-kennel-cough-dogs-cats-diagnosis) ## References 1. [The risks of kennel cough](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/risks-kennel-cough). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 2. [Kennel Cough - Respiratory System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/kennel-cough). Merck Veterinary Manual. 3. [Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/kennel-cough-infectious-tracheobronchitis-in-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 4. [Co-infections with Bordetella bronchiseptica in canine: A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39869998/). Veterinary immunology and immunopathology, 2025. 5. [Effects of Intranasal and Oral Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccination on the Behavioral and Olfactory Capabilities of Detection Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35664843/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2022. 6. [One year duration of immunity of a combination Bordetella bronchiseptica - canine parainfluenza oral vaccine in dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41164231/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2025. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)