Owners ask this after a cough, a day care sniffle or a kennel notice. There is no single number that fits every dog, and here is why.
Contagious before the cough
Kennel cough spreads in droplets in the air from a coughing dog to a healthy dog nearby, and sources describe dogs shedding germs before they show any sign. That is why an outbreak can move through a group before anyone notices. The kennel's own page says that it is spread through a variety of airborne viruses and bacteria.
After the cough stops
American Humane says most dogs recover within 7 to 10 days, and the AKC says most recover within one to three weeks, with severe cases taking longer. Some dogs can still shed the bacteria after the cough clears, so the AKC advises keeping a dog away from other dogs while it is coughing and for at least two weeks after the coughing stops. Different veterinarians use different rules, which is why the right person to ask is the one who examined your dog.
Why there is no single answer
Kennel cough is a group of illnesses, and each germ behaves a little differently. A dog's age, health and vaccine history also play a part. For that reason the kennel does not quote a day count. It asks owners to follow their veterinarian's direction and to tell the staff if their dog has been coughing before a stay.
Practical steps
- Call your veterinarian at the first cough, and ask when your dog can mix again.
- Keep a coughing dog away from day care, dog parks and boarding until the vet says it is fine.
- If you have a booking, call 707-678-6600 to change the dates.
- After a stay, watch for a cough in the next several days and report it.
More reading
Start with the basics on what kennel cough is, the signs to watch for and boarding and kennel cough risk.