Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, How to Help (Expert Guide)

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Kennel Cough in Dogs

We at Milo Naturals know how stressful kennel cough in dogs can be, especially when your dog suddenly develops a loud, harsh, persistent dog hacking cough that sounds like they’re choking or struggling to clear their throat. For many owners, hearing this for the first time is alarming, and it makes sense that so many people search “kennel cough in dogs” looking for answers.

In this expert guide, we at Milo Naturals explain everything you need to know about kennel cough in dogs — from the root causes and symptoms to how contagious it is, how long it lasts, and the natural ways you can support your dog’s respiratory system while they recover. You'll also learn how our upcoming Milo Naturals Respiratory Support supplement can help soothe irritated airways during and after kennel cough.

What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Kennel cough in dogs (infectious tracheobronchitis) is one of the most common respiratory conditions in dogs. It impacts the trachea and bronchi — the main airways — causing inflammation, irritation, and that classic dog hacking cough.

Kennel cough spreads easily in environments where dogs mix closely:

  • Boarding kennels

  • Dog parks

  • Groomers

  • Training classes

  • Doggy daycare

  • Vet waiting rooms

Although the cough sounds severe, most cases of kennel cough in dogs are mild and resolve with rest and supportive care.

What Causes Kennel Cough in Dogs?

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Kennel cough is usually caused by a combination of contagious bacteria and viruses. The two most common are:

1. Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)

The primary bacteria responsible for kennel cough. It irritates the airway lining, making dogs prone to that dry hacking sound.

2. Canine Parainfluenza Virus

A virus that inflames the upper airways and makes the dog more susceptible to secondary infection.

Other viruses can contribute, but these are the big two.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs

The hallmark symptom is a persistent, loud, harsh dog hacking cough. It often sounds like:

  • A choke or gag

  • Trying to clear something stuck

  • A sudden dry “honk” (but deeper than reverse sneezing)

Other symptoms may include:

  • Gagging or retching

  • Coughing after excitement

  • White foam gagging

  • Mild eye or nose discharge

  • Slight lethargy

  • Reduced appetite (occasionally)

Most dogs remain bright, alert, and active despite the cough.

Is Kennel Cough Dangerous?

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In most healthy adult dogs, kennel cough in dogs is mild and resolves on its own.

However, it can be more serious in:

  • Puppies

  • Senior dogs

  • Dogs with weakened immune systems

  • Dogs with chronic respiratory issues

In these cases, always consult a vet.

How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?

Typical recovery timeline:

  • Mild cases: 7–14 days

  • Moderate cases: up to 3 weeks

The infection may clear before the cough does — because the trachea remains inflamed and sensitive.

This is why natural airway-soothing support is so helpful during recovery.

How Kennel Cough in Dogs Spreads

Kennel cough spreads through:

  • Airborne droplets

  • Shared toys

  • Shared water bowls

  • Close nose-to-nose contact

Dogs can remain contagious for 2–3 weeks, even after symptoms improve.

How to Care for Kennel Cough in Dogs (Home Treatment Guide)

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Caring for kennel cough at home is mostly about reducing airway irritation while the trachea heals. Here’s what we recommend:

✔ Use a harness, not a collar

Avoid pressure on the throat.

✔ Run a humidifier

Moisture soothes the irritated airway.

✔ Keep your dog away from other dogs

Prevent further spread.

✔ Encourage rest & calm

Excitement worsens coughing.

✔ Avoid smoke, aerosols, and strong scents

Irritants can trigger coughing fits.

And most importantly — support the respiratory system naturally.

How Milo Naturals Respiratory Support Helps Kennel Cough Recovery

During kennel cough in dogs, the trachea becomes inflamed, swollen, and extremely sensitive. This is why dogs continue to cough even after the infection has cleared.
At Milo Naturals, we designed our Respiratory Support formula specifically for dogs struggling with:

  • Kennel cough recovery

  • Persistent dog hacking cough

  • Throat irritation

  • Seasonal airway sensitivity

  • Environment-triggered coughing

Below is a deeper explanation of each ingredient and why it matters for kennel cough in dogs.

🌿 Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus)

Primary Benefits: Lung comfort, inflammation modulation, immune support

Research shows Tiger Milk Mushroom helps:

  • Support healthy lung function

  • Reduce airway irritation

  • Improve respiratory resilience

Perfect for dogs whose trachea is inflamed from coughing.

🍄 Cordyceps militaris

Primary Benefits: Oxygen efficiency, stamina, breathing performance

Kennel cough can tire dogs out. Cordyceps helps by:

  • Supporting oxygen uptake

  • Maintaining healthy breathing

  • Improving recovery energy

Great for dogs that cough during play or walks.

🌱 Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus)

Primary Benefits: Airway soothing, mucus movement, cough easing

Mullein is known for:

  • Softening the harshness of coughing

  • Supporting comfortable breathing

  • Helping maintain clear airways

Ideal for reducing the severity of that irritating dog hacking cough.

🍃 Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Primary Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, irritant response balancing

Many dogs experience worsening kennel cough symptoms from:

  • Dust

  • Pollen

  • Dry indoor air

  • Environmental triggers

Nettle leaf helps calm this airway sensitivity.

🌸 Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Primary Benefits: Throat coating, irritation relief

Marshmallow root contains natural mucilage that:

  • Coats the throat

  • Reduces coughing frequency

  • Helps soothe soreness

Perfect for dogs whose throat is inflamed from constant hacking.

🍖 Natural Bacon Flavouring

Dogs recovering from kennel cough may have low appetite — so we made our formula irresistibly tasty.

High palatability = consistent daily support.

When to See a Vet for Kennel Cough

Seek veterinary attention if:

  • Cough lasts more than 14–21 days

  • Your dog struggles to breathe

  • Cough becomes wet or phlegmy

  • Appetite drops sharply

  • Energy levels fall significantly

If you’re unsure — always get a professional opinion.

Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs

✔ Vaccination

Helps reduce severity, not 100% prevention.

✔ Avoid high-risk areas during outbreaks

Especially for puppies.

✔ Support daily respiratory health

Natural airway-supporting botanicals can build long-term resilience.

FAQ: Kennel Cough in Dogs (Short & SEO-Optimised)

1. What is kennel cough in dogs?

A contagious respiratory infection causing a loud, harsh dog hacking cough.

2. What causes kennel cough?

Commonly Bordetella bacteria and parainfluenza virus.

3. How long does kennel cough last?

Most cases resolve within 1–2 weeks.

4. Is kennel cough dangerous?

Usually mild, but puppies and senior dogs need caution.

5. Can supplements help recovery from kennel cough?

Yes — soothing ingredients like mullein, marshmallow root, cordyceps and tiger milk mushroom may help calm irritated airways.

References

[1] Kennel Cough Overview – Merck Veterinary Manual
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/kennel-cough-in-dogs

[2] AVMA – Canine Respiratory Disease
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease

[3] Tiger Milk Mushroom – Respiratory Findings
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00461/full

[4] Cordyceps – Lung & Oxygen Function
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/

[5] Mullein Leaf – Airway & Cough Relief
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647/