Kennel Cough: What Pet Parents Should Know

Kennel cough, also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), is a common, contagious respiratory illness in dogs— spreading similarly like

cold or flu viruses do among humans. It can be caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica, along with other airborne pathogens.

Common Symptoms:

• Persistent dry, honking cough

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Mild lethargy

• Reduced appetite (in some cases)

Most cases are mild and can resolve with rest, but like any illness, it’s important to monitor your dog closely as some cases can require vet attention and medication.

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How We Keep South Paw Clean & Safe

At South Paw cleanliness and health standards are something we take very seriously. We go above industry standards to protect every dog in our care.

Our Protocols Include:

• Daily deep cleaning & sanitizing of all play areas and surfaces

• Routine disinfection of water bowls, toys, and shared spaces multiple times each day

• Immediate cleaning of any accidents 

• Proper ventilation and airflow management

• Strict vaccine requirements (Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper) all must be in date or have vet exemptions for dogs to come for boarding, daycare, or grooming

• Required lab-tested fecal screenings to ensure overall health

We are constantly educating ourselves, staying up to date with veterinary recommendations, and improving our protocols to maintain a safe environment.

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Why Illness Can Still Happen–Even in Clean Facilities

Just like children in school or adults in the workplace, dogs in social environments can still be exposed to airborne illnesses–even with: vaccines, clean environments and careful monitoring.

Illnesses like kennel cough can still occur because:

• Some dogs may be contagious before showing symptoms

• Not all strains are covered by vaccines, just like with flu vaccines for humans, dog vaccines for the flu and other viruses are not able to prevent or combat every strain

• It spreads easily through airborne droplets and with so many dogs in one area, anything airborne is able to travel extremely quickly. 

This is why partnership with pet parents is so important.

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When to Keep Your Dog Home

Please keep your dog home if you notice:

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Lethargy

• Fever or unusual behavior

Keeping them home helps protect other dogs and allows your pup to rest and recover faster. 

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough

1. Contact Your Veterinarian

They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment if needed.

2. Allow Rest & Recovery

Most mild cases resolve within 1–3 weeks with rest.

3. Limit Activity

Avoid daycare, boarding, dog parks, and grooming until fully recovered.

4. Provide Supportive Care at Home

• Keep your dog warm and comfortable

• Encourage hydration

• Use a humidifier or steamy bathroom to help ease coughing

• Avoid collars—use a harness to reduce throat irritation

Our Return to South Paw Guidelines

We would like dogs to be fully finished with their medication from the vet, if they did indeed need medication. We also ask that dogs are symptom-free of runny nose and sneezing. We understand coughing can linger without contagion, though we would likely limit activity throughout the day if they still were coughing. 

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Our Commitment to You

We are committed to:

• Maintaining a clean, sanitized, and safe environment

• Being transparent and proactive with health communication

• Partnering with pet parents to protect every dog in our care

Your trust means everything to us, and together, we can keep our South Paw community healthy and happy.

If you ever have questions about your dog’s health or readiness to return, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help.