DOGS · OWNER EDUCATION
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (Kennel Cough)
Several contagious viruses and bacteria can cause coughing, gagging and nasal discharge in dogs, especially after close contact with other dogs.
THE SHORT VERSION
Understanding supports better veterinary conversations.
Several contagious viruses and bacteria can cause coughing, gagging and nasal discharge in dogs, especially after close contact with other dogs. The same outward signs can occur with several diseases, so an examination and appropriately selected testing are important.
What is this condition?
Several contagious viruses and bacteria can cause coughing, gagging and nasal discharge in dogs, especially after close contact with other dogs. The same outward signs can occur with several diseases, so an examination and appropriately selected testing are important.
Which animals can be affected?
Risk factors, examination findings and management can differ between species and individual patients.
Why can it happen?
- Exposure to respiratory organisms in boarding, daycare, shelter, show or social settings.
- More than one organism may be involved, and pneumonia can develop in higher-risk dogs.
What might an owner notice?
- A dry, honking cough, gagging or retching.
- Nasal discharge, reduced energy, fever or decreased appetite.
How is the problem investigated?
- History of exposure plus examination of the throat, lungs and breathing.
- Chest radiographs or respiratory testing when pneumonia or a severe outbreak is suspected.
What might treatment involve?
- Rest and veterinarian-selected supportive or antimicrobial treatment when appropriate.
- Isolation from other dogs and monitoring for pneumonia warning signs.
This is an overview, not a prescription or a recommendation for a specific individual animal.
What can owners do at home?
- Write down when the problem began and track appetite, drinking, waste, activity, breathing and medication use.
- Bring clear photos or short videos when they can be taken without stressing the animal.
- Follow the veterinary team's instructions for medication, feeding, isolation, environmental changes and rechecks.
Avoid actions that could make care less safe.
- Do not use human medication, leftover antibiotics or another animal's treatment without veterinary direction.
- Do not force food or water into an animal that cannot swallow normally, is struggling to breathe or may have an obstruction.
- Do not delay veterinary care when pain, breathing, appetite, urination, movement or responsiveness changes quickly.
What can the longer-term outlook involve?
The outlook depends on the underlying cause, severity, species and how quickly effective care begins.
Can risk be reduced?
- Provide species-appropriate nutrition, housing, sanitation and routine veterinary care.
- Learn the animal's normal behavior, appetite, body condition and waste pattern so meaningful changes are noticed early.
When should you arrange care?
- Contact a veterinarian promptly for a dry, honking cough, gagging or retching. or nasal discharge, reduced energy, fever or decreased appetite..
- Arrange reassessment if signs return, worsen or do not improve as expected.
Seek emergency veterinary care if you notice:
SEEK EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE- Labored breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, profound weakness or inability to eat or drink.
Sources behind this guide
VeterinaryPartner — client education from the Veterinary Information NetworkPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗American Animal Hospital Association: pet health resourcesPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Content last reviewed: September 17, 2026. Review status: veterinary-informed; independent veterinarian review not yet completed.