Kennel cough — officially known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) — is the canine equivalent of the common cold. If your Yorkie has a persistent, dry, honking cough, kennel cough is the most likely cause.
What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. The most common culprit is Bordetella bronchiseptica, often working together with canine parainfluenza virus or canine adenovirus. Think of it as a respiratory cold — except the hallmark symptom is a cough that sounds like a goose honk.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Yorkies
Most dogs with kennel cough remain energetic and eat normally, but they show distinct respiratory signs:
- Honking cough — A persistent, dry hacking sound like a goose honk or something stuck in the throat
- Retching or gagging — Often produces white, foamy froth, especially after excitement or exercise
- Runny nose and eyes — Clear nasal discharge and watery eyes are common
- Sneezing — Frequent sneezing bouts and snorting
- Severe signs — Lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite indicate the infection may be progressing to pneumonia. Seek veterinary care immediately.
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough spreads through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, through nose-to-nose contact, and via shared toys, water bowls, or bedding. The incubation period is 2 to 14 days after exposure, and dogs are contagious before they show symptoms.
How Long Is Kennel Cough Contagious?
- Dogs are highly contagious during the 1 to 2 weeks they show active symptoms
- The bacteria can continue shedding for 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms clear
- With Bordetella, shedding can extend up to 3 months
- Isolation rule: Keep your Yorkie away from other dogs for at least 14 days after the last cough
Treatment for Kennel Cough
Most uncomplicated cases resolve on their own within 10 to 14 days with supportive care:
- Rest — Limit exercise to keep the respiratory system calm
- Switch to a harness — Collars put pressure on the trachea and trigger coughing fits
- Humidification — Use a humidifier or sit with your Yorkie in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes twice daily
- Cough suppressants — Your vet may prescribe these if coughing is severe
- Antibiotics — Prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected
When to See a Vet
Call your vet immediately if your Yorkie shows any of these signs:
- Lethargy or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
Preventing Kennel Cough
The Bordetella vaccine is available and recommended for dogs that socialise with other dogs — whether at daycare, grooming, dog parks, or boarding kennels. The vaccine does not guarantee your Yorkie will not get kennel cough (there are multiple causes), but it significantly reduces the severity. Like the human flu vaccine, it is worth having even if not 100% effective.
Always call your vet clinic ahead if your Yorkie is coughing so they can isolate your pet from the waiting room.
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