Can Dogs Get Kennel Cough Twice and How to Prevent It

Dogs can indeed get kennel cough twice, and it's not uncommon for them to contract the illness multiple times throughout their lives.

The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is the primary cause of kennel cough, and it's highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes.

Reinfection occurs when a dog is exposed to a new strain of the bacteria, which can happen if they're around other infected dogs or contaminated environments.

Kennel cough can be a recurring issue for dogs that spend a lot of time in dog daycare or boarding facilities, where they're more likely to be exposed to other dogs with the illness.

A fresh viewpoint: Why Does My Dog Get Mad When I Sniff Him?

Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection that affects dogs, particularly when they're housed or kept together. It's highly contagious and can be caused by various viruses and bacteria.

Most dogs develop a persistent hacking or honking cough, but they often remain well otherwise.

The infection can cause more severe signs in some cases, but fortunately, there are vaccines available to protect against the most common bacteria and viruses involved.

Because kennel cough is most prevalent in dogs who are boarded together, many boarding kennel establishments require vaccination as part of their protocol.

Intriguing read: Kennel Cough Bacteria

Dogs can get kennel cough twice because the virus that causes it, Bordetella, can be contagious for up to 14 days, even after symptoms have resolved.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with an infected dog's respiratory secretions.

Bordetella is a highly infectious virus that can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours, making it easy to spread.

Regular vaccination is key to preventing kennel cough, and most kennels and dog daycare facilities require dogs to be up-to-date on their Bordetella vaccinations.

However, even vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough if they are exposed to a high enough dose of the virus or if their immune system is compromised.

Dogs with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic health conditions or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more susceptible to kennel cough.

Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, can help prevent the spread of kennel cough.

Related reading: Kennel Cough Contagious for Humans

Dogs with kennel cough can exhibit a range of symptoms, including a loud, hacking cough that sounds like honking.

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a persistent cough that can last for several days.

Coughing is the hallmark symptom of kennel cough, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.

Sneezing and runny nose are common symptoms of kennel cough, and they can be accompanied by a loss of appetite.

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of kennel cough, and it can be accompanied by decreased energy levels.

Decreased energy levels are a common symptom of kennel cough, and they can be accompanied by conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids.

Conjunctivitis is a symptom of kennel cough, and it can be accompanied by hacking and wheezing.

Hacking and wheezing are symptoms of kennel cough, and they can be accompanied by depressed behavior.

Consider reading: What Are the Symptoms of a Dog with a Blockage?

Depressed behavior is a symptom of kennel cough, and it can be accompanied by rapid breathing and nasal discharge.

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to take them to the veterinarian right away.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can make your dog feel miserable.

Symptoms of kennel cough typically develop 2-14 days after exposure and can last for 7-21 days. The infection can be caused by several different viruses and bacteria, including parainfluenza and adenovirus.

To help your dog feel better, provide plenty of rest and fluids. A warm, humid environment can also help soothe your dog's throat.

Some dogs may develop secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, which require antibiotic treatment. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

In addition to antibiotics, your veterinarian may recommend cough suppressants or other medications to help manage your dog's symptoms.

Worth a look: Kennel Cough Treatment Antibiotics

Vaccination prior to potential exposure can prevent infection to the specific strains of Bordetella present in the vaccine.

The Bordetella vaccine is often required by facilities prior to boarding and daycare, and it comes in three forms: injectable, oral, and intranasal.

One recent study found the intranasal vaccine conferred superior clinical immunity compared to the oral vaccine.

The intranasal vaccine may help reduce the severity of related infections, but protection against all the other pathogens that can cause Kennel Cough is not guaranteed.

Just like the human flu vaccine can’t protect a person from all flu strains, neither can the Bordetella vaccine protect against all CIRD pathogens.

Many kennels and daycares require proof of vaccination against parainfluenza, so it's a good idea to check with your veterinarian about the specific requirements.

The adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza vaccines can be administered either by injection or intranasally and should be started in puppies between 6 and 8 weeks of age.

You should speak to your veterinarian to determine which vaccine is right for your pet, and how often they should receive them.

Keep in mind, vaccinations aren’t useful if a dog has already caught the virus.

Explore further: How Much Is Vaccination for Dogs

Dogs can get infected with kennel cough through droplets or direct contact with the bacteria. This can happen when they inhale the bacteria, touch noses, or share food or water bowls with an infected dog.

Places like boarding kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, or other crowded areas where many dogs gather are common breeding grounds for this virus. It's similar to how children spread germs at school or the playground.

Direct contact with surfaces housing these droplets allows them to enter the dog's respiratory tract, making them more prone to infection.

Dogs get infected with kennel cough through droplets or direct contact with the bacteria. This can happen when they inhale the droplets, touch noses with an infected dog, or share food or water bowls.

Places like boarding kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, or other crowded areas are breeding grounds for this virus. These areas are perfect for the virus to spread.

The virus can also be spread through surfaces that have come into contact with the infected droplets. This is why it's essential to keep your dog's environment clean and free of germs.

Stress, cold temperatures, or poor air quality can weaken a dog's respiratory tract and make it more prone to infection. This can cause inflammation of the trachea and larynx, leading to coughing.

Coughing is a symptom of the inflammation caused by kennel cough. It's similar to a chest cold in humans, but for dogs, it can be more serious if left untreated.

Suggestion: Pomeranian Dog Coughing

If your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, a physical exam and history of exposure are usually enough for a diagnosis.

Your veterinarian may want to run other diagnostic tests if your dog is showing severe symptoms.

A physical exam is often the first step in diagnosing kennel cough in dogs.

Your veterinarian will likely ask you about your dog's history of exposure to other dogs, especially if they've been to a kennel or dog daycare recently.

If your dog is showing signs of pneumonia or other diseases, your veterinarian may need to run additional tests such as an X-ray or blood test.

These tests can help determine if your dog's kennel cough has developed into something more serious.

Take a look at this: Should I Get My Dog's Teeth Cleaned?

Dogs can get infected with kennel cough in crowded places like boarding kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, or other areas where many dogs gather.

Places like these are breeding grounds for the virus, where dogs can spread germs to each other through droplets or direct contact.

Direct contact with surfaces that have the bacteria can allow the droplets to enter a dog's respiratory tract.

Inhalation, touching noses, and sharing food or water bowls are all ways dogs can come into contact with the bacteria.

Stress, cold temperatures, and poor air quality can weaken a dog's respiratory tract and make it more prone to infection.

Coughing is a symptom of the inflammation caused by the infection.