Kennel cough is a common, contagious respiratory illness in dogs that usually causes a dry, hacking cough and mild cold-like symptoms. Most healthy dogs recover in 1-3 weeks with rest, immune support, and simple natural remedies like honey, broth, and soothing herbs. Puppies, seniors, or dogs with weak immune systems may need closer monitoring, and a vet visit is important if symptoms worsen or linger.
Bone broth with manuka honey in it is soothing and can help your dog stay hydrated.
MycoDog Breathe (15% off coupon: SAVINGPETS) and Dr. Katies B-tella Kennel Cough Symptom Support (15% coupon: KIM) can help with the symptoms.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs of all ages. It can be caused by several viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2.
The most recognizable symptom is a persistent, dry, hacking cough that sometimes sounds like a goose honking or as though your dog has something stuck in their throat. Other symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, mild fatigue, and decreased appetite.
Most otherwise healthy dogs recover within 1–3 weeks, although puppies, senior dogs, and those with compromised immune systems may be more vulnerable to complications, including pneumonia.
Many mild cases of kennel cough can be managed at home with rest, hydration, proper nutrition, and gentle supportive care. While natural remedies cannot reliably eliminate the underlying infection, some may help soothe an irritated throat and keep your dog comfortable during recovery.
A holistic approach focuses on supporting your dog’s overall well-being while allowing their immune system to respond to the infection.
Helpful measures include:
Rest and relaxation: Provide a quiet, comfortable environment and limit strenuous activity.
Nourishing nutrition: Offer balanced, moisture-rich diet your dog tolerates well. Gently cooked meals and dog-safe bone broth can help encourage eating and hydration.
Gentle throat support: A small amount of plain honey may temporarily soothe throat irritation in some adult dogs.
Airway comfort: Avoid smoke, fragrances, aerosol sprays, and harsh cleaning chemicals. Visit our pet safe household products for recommendations. Use a harness instead of a collar to minimize pressure on the throat.
Reduce transmission: Keep your dog away from other dogs while contagious, and regularly clean shared bowls, bedding, and surfaces.
When to Seek Veterinary Care: Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog develops a fever, significant lethargy, a worsening or wet cough, or refuses food. Difficulty breathing, collapse, or blue or pale gums require emergency veterinary attention.
With appropriate care and monitoring, most dogs recover without complications. The sections below explore kennel cough home remedies, supportive nutrition, prevention, and when additional treatment may be necessary.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), isn’t caused by just one virus or bacterium. It’s a highly contagious respiratory illness that can develop when dogs are exposed to one or more infectious organisms that affect their airways.
Despite its name, dogs don’t have to stay in a kennel to develop kennel cough. Exposure can happen at dog parks, grooming salons, boarding facilities, daycare centers, veterinary clinics, or anywhere dogs come into close contact.
Several infectious organisms can contribute to kennel cough, including:
Bordetella bronchiseptica: One of the most common bacterial causes of kennel cough. It attaches to the respiratory tract and interferes with the body’s normal ability to clear mucus and infectious organisms.
Canine parainfluenza virus: A contagious respiratory virus that can cause coughing, sneezing, and inflammation of the airways.
Canine adenovirus type 2: A respiratory virus that can contribute to kennel cough and other upper respiratory infections.
Mycoplasma species: Bacteria that may contribute to respiratory infections, particularly when other pathogens are involved.
Canine respiratory coronavirus: A respiratory virus that can contribute to kennel cough. It is different from the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
Canine influenza virus: Although distinct from classic kennel cough, canine influenza can cause similar respiratory symptoms and may be part of a broader respiratory disease outbreak.
Dogs can sometimes become infected with multiple organisms simultaneously, which may increase the severity of their illness.
Kennel cough spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected dogs. It can also spread through contaminated objects and surfaces.
Common sources of exposure include:
Coughing and sneezing from infected dogs
Nose-to-nose contact and close interactions
Shared water bowls, toys, and bedding
Crowded or poorly ventilated environments
Grooming salons, boarding facilities, and dog daycare centers
Dogs may spread certain respiratory infections before obvious symptoms appear, making prevention challenging.
Although any dog can develop kennel cough, certain factors may increase their risk of infection or complications.
These include:
Age: Puppies and senior dogs may have a harder time recovering from respiratory infections.
Compromised immune systems: Dogs with underlying illnesses or taking immune-suppressing medications may be more vulnerable.
Stress: Travel, boarding, overcrowding, and changes in routine can affect immune function and increase exposure.
Poor ventilation: Crowded indoor environments can make respiratory infections easier to spread.
Existing respiratory conditions: Dogs with collapsing trachea, chronic bronchitis, or other airway problems may experience more significant symptoms.
A healthy immune system plays an important role in how your dog responds to respiratory infections. Good nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise when healthy, and minimizing unnecessary stress all contribute to overall wellness.
Feeding a complete and balanced, species-appropriate diet made with quality ingredients can help support normal immune function. Fresh, moisture-rich foods may also help maintain hydration and overall health.
However, even dogs receiving excellent nutrition and holistic care can develop kennel cough when exposed to infectious organisms.
The goal of holistic care is to support your dog’s natural defenses, reduce unnecessary stress on the body, and promote a comfortable recovery—not to replace veterinary treatment when it’s needed.
he most recognizable symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, dry, hacking cough that often sounds like a goose honking. Some dogs cough so forcefully that they gag, retch, or bring up a small amount of white, foamy mucus.
Symptoms typically appear 2–10 days after exposure, although the incubation period varies depending on the infectious organism involved.
Dogs with mild kennel cough may continue eating, playing, and behaving normally despite their persistent cough.
Common symptoms include:
Dry, hacking cough: Often described as a honking sound, especially during excitement or physical activity.
Gagging or retching: Some dogs appear to be trying to clear something from their throat.
Sneezing: Irritation and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract may cause frequent sneezing.
Runny nose: Clear nasal discharge is common with mild respiratory infections.
Watery eyes: Mild eye discharge may accompany respiratory symptoms.
Mild fatigue: Your dog may sleep more or show less interest in exercise.
Decreased appetite: Throat irritation or feeling unwell may temporarily affect eating habits.
Not every dog experiences all these symptoms. Some develop only a persistent cough, while others have several signs of respiratory illness.
Kennel cough often produces a distinctive, harsh, dry cough that may sound like:
A goose honking
Something stuck in your dog’s throat
Repeated hacking or throat clearing
Coughing followed by gagging
Coughing episodes may become more noticeable when your dog is excited, exercising, drinking water, or pulling against a collar.
Important: A honking cough doesn’t automatically mean your dog has kennel cough. Conditions such as collapsing trachea, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease can produce similar symptoms. A veterinarian can help determine the underlying cause.
Mild Kennel Cough
Dogs with uncomplicated kennel cough are often bright, alert, and otherwise acting normally. They may have a persistent cough, occasional sneezing, and mild nasal discharge but generally maintain their appetite and energy.
Many uncomplicated cases improve with rest, hydration, and supportive care.
More Serious Respiratory Symptoms
Some dogs develop more significant respiratory illness, particularly puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems.
Warning signs include:
Persistent or worsening coughing
A wet or productive cough
Thick nasal discharge
Fever
Significant lethargy or weakness
Refusing food or water
Rapid breathing while resting
These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or complications such as pneumonia and warrant prompt veterinary evaluation.
Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog experiences:
Difficulty breathing or struggling to catch their breath
Blue, gray, or unusually pale gums
Collapse or severe weakness
Significant breathing effort, even while resting
Kennel cough is often mild, but breathing difficulties should never be managed with home remedies alone.
Most otherwise healthy dogs recover from uncomplicated kennel cough within 1–3 weeks, although coughing can occasionally linger longer as the airways heal.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions may require additional monitoring and veterinary treatment.
If your dog’s cough is worsening, new symptoms develop, or recovery isn’t progressing as expected, contact your veterinarian rather than waiting several weeks.
A holistic approach begins with recognizing your dog’s symptoms, supporting their comfort and immune health, and knowing when additional medical care is necessary.
If your dog has kennel cough, there are several natural ways to help soothe irritated airways, support immune health, and encourage recovery. Many mild cases resolve without antibiotics, particularly when dogs are otherwise healthy, eating normally, and breathing comfortably.
A holistic approach focuses on supporting the whole dog through nourishing nutrition, hydration, rest, stress reduction, and gentle remedies that promote comfort while the immune system responds to the infection.
Important: Home remedies do not cure kennel cough or eliminate the bacteria and viruses responsible. Dogs with worsening symptoms, fever, breathing changes, or significant lethargy need veterinary evaluation.
Raw honey and Manuka honey are popular natural remedies for soothing an irritated throat. Honey’s thick consistency may temporarily coat the throat and reduce discomfort associated with coughing.
Honey also contains naturally occurring compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, although there is limited research demonstrating that giving honey treats kennel cough in dogs.
Holistic benefits:
May temporarily soothe an irritated throat
Provides a gentle coating effect
Contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds
Choose plain, unflavored honey without artificial sweeteners. Avoid honey in puppies under one year of age, and consult your veterinarian before using it in dogs with diabetes or other conditions requiring sugar restriction.
Honey is intended for comfort, not as a replacement for veterinary treatment.
Slippery elm is a traditional herbal remedy containing mucilage, a substance that forms a soothing, gel-like consistency when mixed with water.
Herbalists commonly use slippery elm to support irritated mucous membranes, including those of the digestive tract and throat.
Potential benefits:
May provide a soothing coating for irritated tissues
Can help support mucous membrane comfort
Offers a gentle, plant-based approach to supportive care
There is limited clinical research on slippery elm for kennel cough in dogs. Because its mucilage may interfere with the absorption of oral medications, discuss appropriate use and timing with a veterinarian familiar with herbal medicine.
Mullein has a long history of traditional use for respiratory discomfort. Herbalists often include it in respiratory formulations because of its mucilage and other naturally occurring plant compounds.
Mullein is traditionally used to:
Soothe irritated respiratory tissues
Support respiratory comfort
Provide gentle herbal support during coughing episodes
Only use appropriately formulated products under professional guidance. Avoid essential oils, concentrated extracts, and homemade preparations containing potentially irritating plant material.
Licorice root is another traditional herb used to soothe irritated mucous membranes. It contains compounds studied for anti-inflammatory activity, although clinical evidence for treating canine respiratory infections is insufficient.
Licorice root requires particular caution because it can affect blood pressure, potassium levels, and fluid balance. It may also interact with medications.
It is not a good choice for dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or certain endocrine conditions unless specifically approved by their veterinarian.
A healthy gut microbiome contributes to normal immune function. Since a significant portion of the body’s immune activity is associated with the gastrointestinal tract, supporting digestive health is an important part of a whole-body wellness approach.
Quality probiotics may help maintain beneficial intestinal bacteria, particularly in dogs experiencing digestive upset or receiving antibiotics.
Potential benefits include:
Supporting a balanced gut microbiome
Maintaining healthy digestion
Supporting normal immune function
Helping restore microbial balance following antibiotic treatment
Probiotics are not a treatment for kennel cough itself, but they may be a useful part of your dog’s overall wellness routine.
Good nutrition provides the protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals your dog’s immune system needs to function normally.
During recovery, focus on easily tolerated, complete and balanced meals rather than making sudden dietary changes.
Depending on your dog’s normal diet and preferences, options may include:
Their usual balanced raw diet, when appropriate and safely handled
Warm, dog-safe bone broth without onions, garlic, or excessive sodium
For dogs with an active respiratory infection, gently cooked food may be preferable to raw food, particularly in vulnerable households, because it reduces exposure to foodborne pathogens.
Warming food slightly can improve its aroma and encourage dogs with reduced appetites to eat.
Avoid forcing food or liquids into a coughing dog, as this increases the risk of aspiration.
Dry air, smoke, dust, fragrances, and household chemicals can aggravate an already irritated respiratory tract.
A clean, comfortable environment may help reduce coughing triggers.
Consider:
Using a clean, cool-mist humidifier if indoor air is dry
Keeping your dog away from cigarette smoke, candles, and air fresheners
Avoiding aerosol sprays and heavily fragranced cleaning products
Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures
Washing bedding regularly with fragrance-free detergent
Humidifiers must be cleaned and dried according to manufacturer instructions to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Avoid adding essential oils to humidifiers or diffusers. Even natural essential oils can irritate sensitive airways, and some may be harmful to pets.
See our pet safe household products page for safe recommendations.
Rest is one of the most important parts of recovering from a respiratory infection.
Excitement, vigorous exercise, and excessive barking can trigger coughing episodes and further irritate inflamed airways.
Help your dog recover by:
Providing a quiet, comfortable sleeping area
Limiting running, jumping, and vigorous play
Keeping outdoor bathroom breaks short and relaxed
Using a harness instead of a neck collar
Maintaining a consistent, low-stress daily routine
Gentle affection and companionship can help your dog feel secure without encouraging excessive activity.
Some holistic veterinarians incorporate herbs and functional mushrooms into individualized wellness plans.
Examples include echinacea, thyme, and medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and turkey tail.
These ingredients contain compounds being studied for their effects on inflammation and immune function.
Natural supplements can also cause adverse reactions or interact with medications. Immune-modulating products may be inappropriate for some dogs, particularly those with autoimmune conditions or taking immunosuppressive medications.
Choose products with transparent ingredient lists, quality testing, and veterinary guidance rather than combining multiple supplements during an acute illness.
Although many uncomplicated cases of kennel cough improve with supportive care, some dogs develop secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog experiences:
A worsening or persistent cough
Fever
Thick nasal discharge
A wet or productive cough
Significant lethargy
Refusal to eat or drink
Rapid breathing at rest
Difficulty breathing, collapse, or blue, gray, or unusually pale gums require emergency veterinary attention.
Veterinarians may recommend medications, diagnostic testing, or additional treatment depending on the underlying infection and severity of symptoms.
The best holistic approach combines natural supportive care, proper nutrition, a healthy environment, and timely veterinary treatment when needed. Supporting the immune system is important, but preventing complications and keeping your dog comfortable should always come first.
Most healthy adult dogs recover from uncomplicated kennel cough within 1–3 weeks, although some may continue coughing as their respiratory tract heals. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems may take longer to recover and have a greater risk of complications.
The recovery timeline depends on the infectious organisms involved, your dog’s overall health, and whether secondary infections develop.
Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread before a dog shows obvious symptoms.
The contagious period varies depending on the bacteria or virus responsible. Some dogs may continue shedding infectious organisms even after their cough has improved or disappeared.
For example, dogs infected with Bordetella bronchiseptica may shed the bacteria for several weeks and occasionally longer.
A dog that has stopped coughing isn’t necessarily no longer contagious.
Because different respiratory infections have different shedding periods, there is no single isolation timeline that applies to every dog.
While your dog is recovering, avoid exposing other dogs to the infection.
This means temporarily avoiding:
Dog parks and daycare facilities
Grooming salons
Boarding kennels
Training classes and group activities
Playdates with other dogs
Shared water bowls and toys
Many veterinarians recommend keeping dogs isolated throughout their illness and for approximately 10–14 days after coughing resolves, although the appropriate period varies by pathogen and individual circumstances.
Ask your veterinarian when it’s safe to resume social activities, especially if your dog has been diagnosed with Bordetella or another specific respiratory infection.
Kennel cough primarily affects dogs, but certain organisms associated with canine respiratory disease can infect other animals.
Bordetella bronchiseptica, for example, can occasionally infect cats, particularly those living in crowded environments or with weakened immune systems.
If you have multiple pets, take precautions:
Separate your sick dog from other animals when possible.
Avoid sharing food and water bowls.
Wash your hands after handling your sick dog.
Regularly clean bedding, toys, and frequently touched surfaces.
Monitor other pets for coughing, sneezing, or changes in behavior.
Choose pet-safe cleaning products with demonstrated effectiveness against the relevant pathogens. Natural cleaners are not necessarily effective disinfectants.
While your dog is recovering, focus on supporting overall health and minimizing irritation to the respiratory system.
Rest and stress reduction: Give your dog plenty of opportunities to sleep and recover. Avoid vigorous exercise and situations that trigger excessive barking or excitement.
Fresh, nutritious food: Offer a complete and balanced, moisture-rich diet that your dog tolerates well. Gently cooked meals and dog-safe bone broth may help encourage eating and hydration.
Clean indoor air: Avoid cigarette smoke, scented candles, aerosol sprays, and strong household fragrances that may aggravate coughing.
Hydration: Keep fresh water available at all times. Adequate hydration helps maintain normal respiratory secretions and supports overall recovery.
Gentle immune support: Proper nutrition and a healthy gut microbiome contribute to normal immune function. However, supplements and herbs have not been proven to shorten the contagious period or eliminate kennel cough infections.
A mild cough may occasionally continue after the initial infection improves because the respiratory tract remains irritated.
However, a persistent cough should not automatically be attributed to kennel cough.
Other conditions, including collapsing trachea, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, and pneumonia, can cause similar symptoms.
Contact your veterinarian if:
The cough is getting worse instead of improving.
Your dog develops a fever or unusual fatigue.
Your dog stops eating or drinking normally.
The cough becomes wet or productive.
The cough persists beyond two to three weeks.
Your dog develops new respiratory symptoms.
Difficulty breathing, collapse, or blue or pale gums require immediate emergency veterinary care.
Most dogs recover well from uncomplicated kennel cough with appropriate supportive care. A holistic approach emphasizes good nutrition, rest, hydration, a clean environment, and careful monitoring while the respiratory system heals.
While kennel cough cannot always be prevented, there are several ways to reduce your dog’s risk of respiratory infections. A holistic approach focuses on supporting a healthy immune system, providing proper nutrition, reducing unnecessary stress, and limiting exposure to infectious organisms.
Even healthy dogs with strong immune systems can develop kennel cough. However, supporting your dog’s overall health may help them respond to infections and recover more comfortably.
Good nutrition is one of the foundations of a healthy immune system. Your dog’s body needs quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to maintain normal immune function.
Consider these nutritional strategies:
Feed a species-appropriate diet: Choose a complete and balanced diet made with quality animal proteins and minimally processed ingredients when possible. Fresh, gently cooked, or appropriately formulated raw diets may be options depending on your dog’s individual needs.
Include omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA support normal inflammatory responses and overall health.
Support gut health: A balanced gut microbiome plays an important role in normal immune function. Quality probiotics may support digestive and immune health.
Maintain hydration: Fresh water and moisture-rich foods help support normal respiratory and overall bodily functions.
Avoid unnecessary supplements: More isn’t always better. Excessive vitamins, minerals, and herbal products can create imbalances or cause adverse effects.
Although nutrition supports immune health, no particular diet or supplement has been proven to prevent kennel cough.
Chronic stress can affect normal immune function, making stress management an important part of your dog’s overall wellness routine.
Help reduce unnecessary stress by:
Maintaining consistent feeding, exercise, and sleeping schedules
Providing a quiet, comfortable place to rest
Avoiding overcrowded or stressful boarding environments when possible
Allowing adequate recovery time after travel or strenuous activities
Providing gentle exercise and mental enrichment appropriate for your dog’s health
A well-rested dog with a predictable routine is better supported physically and emotionally.
Kennel cough spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact with infected dogs, and contaminated objects.
You can help reduce exposure by:
Avoiding contact with dogs that are coughing, sneezing, or showing signs of illness
Choosing boarding and daycare facilities with good ventilation and infection-control procedures
Avoiding overcrowded indoor dog gatherings
Bringing your own water bowl when traveling
Washing bedding, toys, and food bowls regularly
Keeping sick dogs separated from healthy pets
Remember that some dogs can spread respiratory infections before symptoms appear.
Environmental irritants can aggravate the respiratory tract and may make coughing and airway inflammation worse.
For a healthier home environment:
Avoid cigarette smoke, vaping aerosols, and scented candles.
Minimize artificial fragrances, plug-in air fresheners, and aerosol sprays.
Use fragrance-free, pet-safe household cleaning products. See our pet safe household products page for recommendations.
Change HVAC filters regularly.
Maintain good ventilation and address moisture or mold problems promptly.
Keep humidifiers clean to prevent bacterial and mold growth.
Avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs with respiratory symptoms. Natural fragrances can still irritate sensitive airways.
A clean indoor environment supports respiratory comfort, although it cannot prevent exposure to all infectious organisms.
Functional mushrooms such as turkey tail, reishi, and shiitake contain naturally occurring compounds, including beta-glucans, that are being studied for their effects on immune function.
Some holistic veterinarians incorporate medicinal mushrooms into individualized wellness plans.
Herbs such as echinacea and astragalus are also traditionally used for immune support, but evidence for preventing canine respiratory infections is limited.
Choose quality-tested products, avoid combining multiple immune-support supplements unnecessarily, and consult your veterinarian if your dog has an autoimmune condition or takes medications.
Supporting immune health is valuable, but supplements should never be considered a substitute for infection prevention or appropriate veterinary care.
The Bordetella vaccine is commonly recommended for dogs that frequently visit boarding kennels, grooming salons, daycare facilities, training classes, or other places where dogs gather.
Bordetella is considered a non-core vaccine under many veterinary vaccination guidelines, meaning the decision depends on your dog’s individual exposure risk and lifestyle.
What Pet Parents Should Know
The Bordetella vaccine does not protect against every virus or bacterium associated with kennel cough.
Vaccinated dogs can still develop respiratory infections.
Vaccination may reduce the likelihood or severity of disease caused by certain organisms.
Dogs with frequent exposure to other dogs may benefit more from vaccination than dogs with limited exposure.
Vaccination decisions should consider your dog’s age, medical history, previous vaccine reactions, and overall health.
From a holistic perspective, vaccination decisions should be individualized rather than based solely on a one-size-fits-all schedule.
For dogs with underlying health conditions, previous adverse reactions, or complicated medical histories, discuss the risks and benefits with a veterinarian familiar with your dog’s needs.
Learn more about dog and cat vaccinations.
One of the most effective ways to help prevent kennel cough from spreading is to recognize symptoms early.
Watch for:
Persistent dry or honking cough
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Gagging after coughing
Unusual fatigue
Decreased appetite
If your dog develops respiratory symptoms, avoid contact with other dogs and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Do not return your dog to daycare, grooming, boarding, or dog parks until your veterinarian advises that it is appropriate.
Preventing kennel cough involves more than any single supplement, food, or vaccine. It means caring for the whole dog through balanced nutrition, digestive health, clean air, appropriate exercise, restorative sleep, and thoughtful exposure management.
A healthy lifestyle supports your dog’s natural defenses, while sensible infection-control practices and individualized veterinary care provide additional protection.
The goal is to give your dog the best possible foundation for long-term health while recognizing that even the healthiest pets can become sick.
For mild kennel cough, rest, hydration, nutritious food, and clean indoor air are among the most helpful ways to support recovery. A small amount of plain raw or Manuka honey may temporarily soothe an irritated throat in some adult dogs. Slippery elm is another traditional option, although its effectiveness for kennel cough hasn’t been established. Natural remedies can provide comfort but do not eliminate the underlying infection.
Mild cases typically last 1–3 weeks. The cough can linger even after the infection has largely resolved because the airways remain irritated. Puppies, seniors, or immune-compromised dogs may take longer to recover. If coughing persists beyond three weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by fever or breathing difficulty, further evaluation is recommended.
Many uncomplicated cases of kennel cough improve with supportive home care. Provide a quiet environment, offer moisture-rich meals and dog-safe bone broth, and avoid smoke, fragrances, and other respiratory irritants. Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the throat. Monitor symptoms closely and consult your veterinarian if your dog develops a fever, worsening cough, lethargy, or changes in breathing.
Yes. Many cases of kennel cough are mild and resolve without antibiotics. Because respiratory viruses are frequently involved, antibiotics aren’t always necessary. However, some dogs develop bacterial infections or pneumonia that require veterinary treatment. Antibiotics should be used when clinically appropriate rather than automatically prescribed for every cough.
Yes. Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated objects. Dogs may spread infectious organisms before symptoms appear and sometimes after coughing stops. Keep infected dogs away from other dogs and follow your veterinarian’s guidance about when it’s safe to resume social activities.
Yes. The Bordetella vaccine targets one important cause of kennel cough but doesn’t protect against every respiratory virus or bacterium. Vaccinated dogs can still become infected, although vaccination may reduce the risk or severity of certain infections. Discuss your dog’s lifestyle, exposure risks, and individual health needs with your veterinarian when making vaccination decisions. Visit our vaccination page for more informaiton.
Yes. Although most cases are mild, some dogs develop pneumonia, particularly puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions. Warning signs include fever, significant lethargy, a worsening or wet cough, loss of appetite, and rapid breathing. Difficulty breathing, collapse, or blue or pale gums require emergency veterinary care.
Plain raw or Manuka honey may temporarily soothe throat irritation and provide comfort during coughing episodes. However, honey hasn’t been proven to treat the infection or shorten recovery time. Avoid honey in puppies under one year of age, and consult your veterinarian before offering it to dogs with diabetes or other conditions requiring sugar restriction. Never use products containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Dr. Katie’s Remedies B-Tella Respiratory Symptom Support helps relieve coughing, throat irritation, and respiratory discomfort in dogs and cats caused by exposure to kennel cough or other respiratory irritants. This gentle homeopathic formula supports the body’s natural healing response to soothe the throat, calm spasmodic coughing, and ease breathing. It can be used at the first sign of coughing or during recovery to promote comfort, faster healing, and stronger respiratory health.
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Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Chronic Coughing Requires a Diagnosis.”
“Dr. Katie Kangas Gives a Brief Overview of Dr. Katie’s Remedies B-Tella Respiratory Symptom Support” by Dr. Katie Kangas.
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