Bordetella (Kennel Cough) in Dogs: What You Need to Know About This Common Respiratory Infection
Imagine bringing your playful pup to daycare—a full day of running, wrestling, and making new friends.
A few days later, the coughing starts.
A deep, honking, persistent cough that keeps your dog—and often your whole household—up at night.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we see this every year. Kennel cough is one of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs, and while it’s often mild, it’s also highly contagious.
The good news is that it’s something we can help prevent.
What Is Kennel Cough?
“Kennel cough” is a general term for a contagious respiratory infection in dogs, also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis.
It is not caused by just one organism.
Instead, it’s typically a combination of viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being one of the primary contributors—and the one targeted by the Bordetella vaccine.
Common symptoms include:
- A loud, hacking cough (often described as a “goose honk”)
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Mild lethargy
- Occasionally a low-grade fever
Most healthy dogs recover, but some cases can progress to more serious illness, including pneumonia—especially in puppies, older dogs, or those with underlying conditions.
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough spreads very easily between dogs.
It can be transmitted through:
- Airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, barking)
- Direct contact (nose-to-nose interaction)
- Shared items like water bowls, toys, and bedding
Dogs do not need prolonged exposure.
In many cases, brief contact in a shared space is enough.
How Long Is It Contagious?
Dogs infected with kennel cough can begin spreading it before obvious symptoms appear.
They may remain contagious for:
- Several days
- Up to a few weeks in some cases
This is why outbreaks are so common in group environments—dogs can spread infection before anyone realizes they’re sick.
How Long Does It Live on Surfaces?
The organisms involved in kennel cough do not survive as long as something like parvovirus, but they can persist long enough to spread.
- On surfaces: up to about 24–48 hours
- On hands: up to about 12 hours
- On clothing: up to about 24 hours
This means indirect transmission is very possible, especially in high-traffic dog environments.
It’s Not Just a “Kennel” Problem
Despite the name, kennel cough doesn’t just happen in kennels.
We see it from:
- Dog parks
- Daycare facilities
- Grooming visits
- Training classes
- Pet stores
- Social dogs interacting in everyday settings
Dogs are social—and that’s usually a good thing. But it also means exposure is common.
Even Indoor Dogs Are at Risk
This is another piece that often gets overlooked.
Even if one dog in your household never leaves the house, they are not completely protected.
Dogs that go out—whether to daycare, grooming, boarding, or even just social settings—can bring kennel cough home with them.
Once introduced into the household, it can spread to other dogs, including those that are primarily indoors.
The dogs we worry about the most in these situations are:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Dogs with underlying health conditions
These groups are more likely to develop complications and more severe illness.
Who Should Get the Bordetella Vaccine?
We recommend the Bordetella vaccine for dogs who:
- Attend daycare or group training
- Stay in boarding facilities
- Visit groomers regularly
- Go to dog parks or public dog spaces
- Travel or stay in pet-friendly accommodations
- Are generally social with other dogs
Even occasional exposure can be enough to justify protection.
The Vaccine Schedule
The Bordetella vaccine is flexible and depends on your dog’s lifestyle.
- Initial vaccination: Can be given as early as 6–8 weeks of age
- Booster: Typically every 6–12 months
Some boarding and daycare facilities require vaccination every 6 months.
We tailor recommendations based on:
- Your dog’s activity level
- Exposure risk
- Facility requirements
Our Approach to the Bordetella Vaccine
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we use the Boehringer Ingelheim oral Bordetella vaccine.
This is a newer option that is generally better tolerated than traditional intranasal vaccines, especially for dogs that are sensitive to nasal administration.
It allows us to provide protection while making the experience easier and less stressful for many patients—because, let’s be honest, most dogs aren’t big fans of having anything squirted up their nose.
What the Vaccine Does (and Doesn’t Do)
The Bordetella vaccine helps:
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Lessen the severity of illness if infection occurs
However, because kennel cough involves multiple organisms, no vaccine can prevent every case.
That said, vaccinated dogs typically:
- Get milder illness
- Recover faster
- Are less likely to develop complications
A Balanced Approach to Prevention
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccines.
Some vaccines—like distemper, parvo, rabies, and leptospirosis—are essential in our area.
Others, like Bordetella, depend on lifestyle and exposure.
Our goal is simple:
- Recommend what your dog actually needs
- Avoid what they don’t
- Make decisions based on real-world risk
The Bottom Line
Kennel cough is common, contagious, and inconvenient—but usually manageable.
For social dogs, vaccination is a simple way to reduce risk and avoid a stressful illness.
For dogs with minimal exposure, it may not be necessary.
The key is making the right decision for your individual dog—and your household.
Bordetella Vaccine FAQs
Is kennel cough serious?
Most cases are mild, but it can become more serious in puppies, older dogs, or those with underlying conditions.
Can vaccinated dogs still get kennel cough?
Yes, but symptoms are usually milder and shorter in duration.
Can indoor dogs get kennel cough?
Yes. Other dogs in the household can bring it home, even if one dog never leaves the house.
How is kennel cough spread?
Through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces.
How often does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?
Typically every 6–12 months, depending on exposure and facility requirements.
Does my dog need it if they don’t board?
Not necessarily—but if they interact with other dogs in any setting, it may still be recommended.
Local Care You Can Trust
PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic proudly serves Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, Epworth, Dyersville, Farley, and surrounding communities.
If you’re unsure whether your dog needs the Bordetella vaccine, we’re happy to help you make a plan that fits your dog’s lifestyle.
Written by Dr. Mackenzie Hellert
Updated 3-30-26