Highly contagious but usually mild - most cases self-resolve, severe cases cost $200-$500. Also called infectious tracheobronchitis, it causes a distinctive honking cough. The Bordetella vaccine costs $20-$40 and is required by most boarding facilities. Puppies, seniors, and immunocompromised dogs face higher complication risk.
What Causes Kennel Cough
Caused by bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (parainfluenza, adenovirus). Spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. Dogs in close quarters - boarding kennels, dog parks, shelters - are at highest risk.
Highly contagious in crowded environments
Symptoms What to Watch For
Persistent, forceful cough - honking or hacking sound with retching or gagging. Runny nose, sneezing, and mild lethargy. Most dogs remain active with normal appetite. Watch for: fever, thick discharge, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing.
The distinctive honking cough is the hallmark symptom
Diagnosis $50-$100
Physical exam ($50-$100) with characteristic cough and exposure history. Vet may induce coughing by pressing trachea. Chest X-rays ($150-$300) only if pneumonia suspected. PCR testing ($100-$200) rarely needed.
Average $50-$100
Treatment $0-$500
Mild cases self-resolve in 1-3 weeks with rest. Cough suppressants ($20-$50) ease discomfort. Antibiotics ($30-$80) for secondary infection or at-risk dogs. Severe cases with pneumonia require hospitalization ($500-$2,000+). Humidifier and honey help soothe.
Average $200-$500 for treated cases
Total Cost $50-$600
Mild cases: just an exam. Severe cases with antibiotics: $200-$500. Pneumonia complications can reach $2,000+.
Risk All Breeds, All Ages
Any dog exposed to other dogs is at risk. Puppies, seniors, and immunocompromised dogs face higher complication risk.
Recovery 1-3 Weeks
Most dogs recover within 1-3 weeks. The cough can linger for several weeks after the infection clears. Isolate for 2 weeks.
Prevention
Bordetella vaccine ($20-$40) reduces severity. Annual boosters for dogs in social settings. Vaccine doesn't prevent all strains.
The Real Cost
$50typical cost
Mild cases: just an exam.
Diagnosis $50-$100
Treatment $0-$500
Total Cost $50-$600
Red flags
Insurance Traps
Kennel cough is usually inexpensive - but complications can add up.
Kennel Cough Coverage Basics Waiting period
Most policies cover kennel cough as standard illness with 14-day waiting period. Vet exam, antibiotics, and cough medication typically covered. Hospitalization for pneumonia complications also covered.
The Waiting Period Trap Waiting period
Kennel cough incubates in 2-14 days. Claims within the 14-day waiting period are denied. Common problem: people buy insurance before boarding, dog gets kennel cough during waiting period.
Cost vs Deductible Deductible
Most cases cost $50-$300 - often below your deductible. Claim may not save money on mild cases. Value kicks in if pneumonia develops ($500-$2,000+).
Vaccination Coverage Routine exclusion
Bordetella vaccine is preventive care - not covered by standard plans. Only wellness add-ons cover it. Vaccine costs $20-$40, one of the cheapest preventive measures.
Common Questions
Real answers about costs, treatment, and insurance coverage.
What does kennel cough sound like?
Distinctive, forceful, dry honking or hacking cough - often followed by retching or gagging. Triggered by excitement, exercise, or tracheal pressure (like leash pulling). Despite the alarming sound, most dogs remain alert and active.
How much does kennel cough treatment cost?
Mild: exam only ($50-$100). Treated: antibiotics $30-$80, suppressants $20-$50, anti-inflammatories $20-$40. Typical: $200-$500. Pneumonia: $500-$2,000+. Vaccine: $20-$40.
Is kennel cough contagious to other dogs?
Highly contagious - spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact, and shared surfaces. Isolate infected dogs for 2 weeks after symptoms resolve; they shed bacteria for weeks after coughing stops. In multi-dog households, all dogs are almost certainly exposed.
Can a vaccinated dog get kennel cough?
Yes - the Bordetella vaccine doesn't prevent all cases. It targets Bordetella and parainfluenza but multiple pathogens cause the disease. Vaccinated dogs have milder symptoms and shorter illness. Like the flu vaccine, it reduces severity, not prevents.
How long does kennel cough last?
Most cases resolve in 1-3 weeks; mild cases in 7-10 days. Residual cough can linger 6 weeks - normal. See your vet if not improving after 2 weeks or if worsening: fever, thick discharge, or loss of appetite.
Is kennel cough dangerous for puppies?
More serious in puppies - developing immune systems increase pneumonia risk. Puppies under 6 months without complete vaccination series are most vulnerable. If your puppy develops a cough, see your vet promptly.
Can kennel cough spread to humans?
Bordetella rarely infects humans; risk is extremely low for healthy people. Immunocompromised individuals (chemotherapy, HIV, immunosuppressive drugs) should take precautions. For most owners, there's no meaningful risk.
Can kennel cough be treated at home?
Mild cases often resolve in 1-2 weeks without antibiotics. Rest, isolate, use harness to avoid throat irritation, try humidifier. See vet if symptoms last 2+ weeks, dog becomes lethargic/stops eating, or cough turns wet. Puppies, elderly, and immunocompromised dogs need prompt vet care - pneumonia risk higher.
Does pet insurance cover kennel cough?
Most policies cover kennel cough as standard illness. 14-day waiting period applies - common problem since it develops shortly after boarding. Bordetella vaccine is preventive, only covered by wellness add-ons. Mild cases ($50-$300) may not exceed deductible. Value increases if pneumonia develops.
My mother-in-law's boxer. Problem. $1,200 in tests, no answers. Another vet solved it with $8 pills. When you're scared, you'll pay anything - and some vets price accordingly. So I built what I couldn't find: real costs, real exclusions, plain language. Not selling policies.
Sources
Research and data used to compile this profile.
- 1 Bemis DA, Greisen HA, Appel MJ. Pathogenesis of bronchopneumonia in dogs inoculated with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Am J Vet Res. 1977;38(12):2033-9.
- 2 Chalker VJ, Brooks HW, Brownlie J. The association of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus with canine infectious respiratory disease. Vet Microbiol. 2003;95(1-2):149-56.