This is a nickname for a group of bacteria and viruses that cause infectious upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in dogs.  Usually there is a history of boarding, going to a groomer, a dog park, or other location where your dog would be exposed to a number of other dogs.  Recently adopted dogs (either from the shelter or from a pet store) are also prone to breaking with kennel cough as their immune systems are usually stressed at that time.  Kennel cough is spread like a common cold - through respiratory secretions.  Kennel cough can take up to 7 days after exposure for symptoms to start. 

The hallmark symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that is easily triggered by touching the throat or when the dog strains against a collar or leash.  The cough has sometimes been described as "goose-honking".  Occasionally the coughing will be so bad that the dog can vomit a little phlegm after coughing.  The cough can also interfere with sleeping and eating.  Normally these dogs act fine - they run, they play and don't act sick.  If your dog has kennel cough and begins to act lethargic or depressed, then he or she needs to be reevaluated for kennel cough pneumonia (see below) or for canine influenza. 

Treatment for kennel cough is symptomatic, usually with broad spectrum antibiotics and cough suppressants.  Most dogs do not need any additional treatment and the kennel cough should resolve within 10-14 days.

This occurs when the virus or bacteria causing the symptoms moves from the upper respiratory tract into the lower respiratory tract and can affect the lungs.  This usually occurs in young puppies or older dogs with concurrent problems, and symptoms include a cough that has become productive, lethargy or depression, a decreased or absent appetite, and fever.  Diagnosing kennel cough pneumonia is done by listening to the lungs for any fluid sounds and taking a chest x-ray.  Treatment can include intravenous fluids, injectable antibiotics, oxygen support, and 5-7 days in the hospital.  Usually with treatment these puppies and dogs will recover. 

There is a vaccination (both intranasal and injectable forms are available) that provides good protection against some bacteria and viruses that cause kennel cough.  This vaccination is designed to reduce the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough as well as reducing the severity of signs if kennel cough is contracted.  No vaccination is 100%, and if your pet frequently visits the groomer, dog parks, doggy daycare, or boards frequently, then getting this vaccination every 6 months will increase your dog's protection.  Also, if your dog frequents these places often, then consider getting the canine influenza vaccine as well.  Canine flu is an emerging cause of upper and lower respiratory tract disease in dogs.  You can read more information under the canine influenza heading.