Coughing Dogs

Many canine coughs are contagious. The most common place to pick up coughs are the boarding kennel, groomer, and dog parks... basically any place where your dog is exposed to a large number of other dogs.

Sure, your dog may have been vaccinated for "Kennel cough". Bordetella Bronchiseptica is our most commonly-seen cause of these infectious coughs against which we vaccinate. Canine Influenza is another possible cause for which we can vaccinate. There are many other causes also, for which there is no vaccine.

Until a full week after your dog has stopped coughing, please keep your dog away from other dogs. Many coughs are very contagious and can be dangerous for some dogs.

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications can be dangerous for dogs, as many of the common ingredients are not safe for dogs. Never give an OTC medication without a veterinarian's direction.