Kennel cough: symptoms, spread and the nasal vaccine

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog, speak to your vet.

Kennel cough is an airway infection that gives dogs a nasty, hacking cough. Like a human cold, it can be caused by several different viruses and bacteria (PDSA). Most dogs get better on their own, but some need a vet (PDSA).

Symptoms to look out for

A forceful, hacking cough that often sounds like your dog has something stuck in their throat (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College)
Coughing followed by a gag, swallowing, or bringing up mucus (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College)
A runny nose, sneezing or eye discharge in some dogs (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College)
In more serious cases, especially in puppies, older dogs and dogs who are already unwell: a reduced appetite, low energy and a high temperature (PDSA)

Most dogs with kennel cough seem well apart from the cough (Royal Veterinary College). Blue Cross notes that "reverse sneezing", common in some breeds, is often mistaken for a cough (Blue Cross).

How long it takes and lasts: PDSA says symptoms usually take 3 to 14 days to develop and then last 1 to 3 weeks (PDSA). Blue Cross and the Royal Veterinary College give an incubation period of two to 14 days, and say most dogs recover within three weeks, though it can linger for up to six weeks (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).

Call your vet straight away if…

your dog is off their food, lethargic, or breathing heavily or with more effort. These are signs kennel cough has become more serious (Royal Veterinary College)
your dog is a puppy, elderly, unwell, stressed or a flat-faced breed such as a French Bulldog or Pug, as kennel cough can turn into pneumonia in these dogs (Royal Veterinary College; Blue Cross)
the cough is severe, or has gone on for more than a few days (PDSA)

Lots of conditions can cause a cough, so it's worth a check (PDSA). Tell the practice your dog is coughing, and wait outside until you're called so you don't spread it in the waiting room (PDSA; Royal Veterinary College).

How kennel cough spreads

Kennel cough is airborne and highly contagious (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College). It spreads by direct contact between dogs, through the air, and on surfaces such as food bowls, leads and toys (PDSA; Blue Cross). PDSA says it can survive in the environment for several weeks (PDSA).

Where dogs gather: it's most common where lots of dogs meet, such as kennels, dog shows and day care (PDSA). The Royal Veterinary College says it now most often sees it passed on at day care, groomers and on walks where dogs sniff and greet lots of other dogs (Royal Veterinary College).
Dogs without symptoms: some dogs can carry the infection without showing signs (Royal Veterinary College), according to Blue Cross for months (Blue Cross).
Things that make it more likely: stress from crowding, heavy dust, cigarette smoke, cold and poor ventilation (Blue Cross).

Dogs can catch it more than once, because there are many strains (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).

Day care, boarding and the park

Most reputable kennels and day care centres will ask that every dog has the kennel cough vaccine two to three weeks before staying (PDSA). Many boarding kennels will only accept dogs who've had one (Dogs Trust).
PDSA says the vaccine is usually a requirement if your dog goes to kennels or day care, has a dog walker, or goes to dog events and shows (PDSA). The BSAVA says vaccination should be considered before kennelling or anywhere dogs mix, such as shows and training classes (BSAVA).
If your dog is coughing, keep them away from other dogs. PDSA says to keep them away from other dogs and public spaces while they have symptoms and for two to three weeks afterwards (PDSA). The Royal Veterinary College says your dog shouldn't mix with other dogs until the cough has stopped (Royal Veterinary College).

Let your day care, boarder or walker know if your dog starts coughing. Find local care on our day care and boarding pages, and quieter spots for walks on our walks and parks page.

The kennel cough vaccine

Some of the viruses involved in kennel cough are already covered by the standard puppy jabs and boosters (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College). The separate kennel cough vaccine targets Bordetella bronchiseptica, the most common bacteria involved (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).

How it's given: usually as drops or a squirt up the nose (PDSA; Royal Veterinary College). Blue Cross says it can also be given by injection (Blue Cross).
How fast it works: it takes four days to become effective (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).
Age: Blue Cross says the nasal vaccine can be given from as young as three weeks (Blue Cross).
How long it lasts: PDSA says 12 months, so it should be repeated every year (PDSA). The Royal Veterinary College and Blue Cross's kennel cough page say about 12 months (Royal Veterinary College; Blue Cross), but Blue Cross's vaccinations page says the nasal vaccine is only protective for six months (Blue Cross). Ask your vet about the product they use.
What it can't do: it isn't 100% guaranteed, because there are many strains, but it makes infection much less likely and symptoms milder (PDSA; Royal Veterinary College). It won't help a dog who is already incubating kennel cough (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).

See our vaccinations guide for how it fits with your dog's other jabs.

Caring for a coughing dog at home

Let your dog rest, and keep them warm and comfortable. Exercise can make a cough much worse (PDSA).
Some dogs feel better sitting in a steamy room, for example while you shower. Never leave them alone in it or force them to stay (PDSA).
Keep your home well ventilated, and use a harness rather than a collar, as pulling can irritate the windpipe (Blue Cross; Royal Veterinary College).

Antibiotics are rarely needed, because most cases are caused by viruses. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories or antibiotics if your dog is very young, old or unwell (PDSA).

Can people catch kennel cough?

PDSA says it's extremely rare for people or cats to catch kennel cough (PDSA). The Royal Veterinary College says it's unlikely but possible for people with a weakened immune system, from dogs with the disease or recently vaccinated dogs, and that your medical team can advise if you're vulnerable (Royal Veterinary College). If you're concerned, talk to your GP or the NHS (PDSA).

Finding a vet in Liverpool

Browse our Liverpool vets directory to find a practice near you.

Out-of-hours emergencies in Liverpool: Medivet 24 Hour Alder, 410 Eaton Road, West Derby, L12 3HG, says it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0151 220 4668 (Medivet, checked 18 Oct 2026). Vets Now Liverpool, based in the PDSA Pet Hospital on Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, L36 3YD, opens from 6pm on weeknights, from noon on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays and bank holidays. Call 0151 271 5727 (Vets Now, checked 18 Oct 2026). Always ring before you set off, and ask your own vet which service covers their out-of-hours calls.

More in our dog health series

See all our dog health and first aid guides

There are no affiliate links on this page. Affiliate disclosure. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Always speak to your vet.