Kennel Cough Explained: How Long Does the Honking Last?

You wake up at 2 AM to a terrifying sound. It sounds like your dog has something stuck in their throat. They are hacking, gagging, and making a loud “HONK” noise.

Panic sets in. Are they choking? Did they eat a toy?

Most likely, it is Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis). It is the doggy equivalent of the common cold or flu. It sounds awful, but it is rarely fatal in healthy adult dogs.

What is Kennel Cough?

It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a mix of viruses (Parainfluenza, Adenovirus) and bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica). It inflames the trachea (windpipe) and voice box.

How they get it: It is airborne. A dog coughs at the park, and your dog walks through the invisible cloud of germs. It spreads like wildfire in boarding kennels, daycares, and dog parks.

The Symptoms

1. The Honk: A dry, hacking cough that sounds like a goose.
2. Retching: Often followed by a gag, bringing up white foamy phlegm. (Owners often mistake this for vomiting).
3. Tracheal Sensitivity: If you touch their throat or they pull on the leash, they start coughing.
4. Energy: Usually normal! They act happy between coughing fits.

Home Care: What You Can Do

If your dog is eating, drinking, and acting energetic, you can usually manage this at home.

• Honey: A teaspoon of honey (Manuka is best) can coat the throat and soothe the cough.
• Steam: Take the dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam helps loosen the phlegm.
• Rest: No running! Heavy breathing triggers the cough. Short leash walks only.
• Isolation: Do not go to the park. You are contagious for up to 3 weeks. Stay home.

When to See a Vet

Kennel cough can progress to Pneumonia, which is life-threatening. Go to the vet if:

• The dog is lethargic or won’t eat.
• There is green/yellow discharge from the nose.
• The breathing is rapid or labored.
• It is a puppy or a senior dog (their immune systems are weaker).

Prevention

The Bordetella Vaccine helps, but it is not 100% effective (like the flu shot). It covers the bacterial strains but not all the viral ones. However, vaccinated dogs usually have milder symptoms.

Summary

The “honk” is scary, but usually temporary. Keep them quiet, give them honey, and binge-watch Netflix together for a week. They will be back to barking at the mailman in no time.