--- title: Kennel Cough Symptoms: When to Call Your Vet | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough-symptoms/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/) - Kennel cough symptoms # Kennel cough symptoms The usual sign of kennel cough is a dry, harsh cough, sometimes followed by gagging, sneezing or a runny nose. Any dog that also stops eating, seems very tired, runs a fever or breathes with effort should see a veterinarian. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Many owners hear the cough and wonder if it is serious. This page lists the common signs and the ones that mean you should phone the clinic. It is general information, not a diagnosis. ## The common signs Kennel cough usually starts with a dry, hacking cough that can sound like something is stuck in the throat. It often gets worse with excitement or exercise or when a collar presses on the neck. Some dogs sneeze, have watery eyes or a runny nose, or gag and bring up a little foam after coughing. Many dogs otherwise act normal, eat, and want to play. - Dry, harsh or honking cough. - Gagging or retching after a coughing fit. - Sneezing or a runny nose. - Mild tiredness for a day or two. ## Signs that mean call the veterinarian Some signs point to something more than a simple cough. Veterinary sources list a loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, a wet or productive cough, and fast or labored breathing as signs that need prompt veterinary care, because they can mean bacterial pneumonia. Very young puppies, senior dogs and dogs with other health problems deserve a call at the first cough. Do not wait to see if it passes. Only a veterinarian can say what a cough is. Canine influenza and several other respiratory illnesses can look the same, and a lab test may be needed. ## What this means for a booking If your dog is coughing, hold off on the boarding request and call your veterinarian first. A coughing dog can pass the illness to others, and a stay is much less pleasant for a dog that feels poor. Tell the kennel if your dog has been exposed or has had any respiratory signs in the last few weeks by calling 707-678-6600. The staff can help you pick new dates. ## If a cough turns up after a stay The kennel's page explains that it periodically sees a respiratory ailment in dogs in its care and that an occasional outbreak occurs even with careful prevention. If your dog starts coughing after a stay, call your veterinarian and let the kennel know, so staff can keep an eye on the other guests. Read [how long kennel cough is contagious](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/how-long-is-kennel-cough-contagious/) for the timing, and see [bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) for what is normal after a stay. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [American Humane: kennel cough](https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/kennel-cough/) - [AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/recommendations-for-core-and-noncore-canine-vaccines/) ### Before your first stay - [Vaccination records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) current through pick-up day - A signed [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - Pets 16 weeks or older - [Bring nothing but your pet](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Kennel cough](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough/) - [How long is kennel cough contagious?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/how-long-is-kennel-cough-contagious/) - [Canine respiratory illness outbreaks](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-respiratory-illness/) - [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) - [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (three required, one recommended) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) - recommended, not required Good until Cat vaccines (required) Rabies Good until FVRCP Good until Tick each vaccine your pet has had. Add the date it runs out to check it against your pick-up day. This checks our boarding requirements, not your pet's health. Your veterinarian decides which vaccines your pet should have and when. Upload records to your [ProPetware account](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin), email them, or bring a copy at check-in. ## Read next - [How long is kennel cough contagious?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/how-long-is-kennel-cough-contagious/) - [Canine respiratory illness outbreaks](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-respiratory-illness/) - [Puppy vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/puppy-vaccine-schedule/) - [Adult dog vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/adult-dog-vaccine-schedule/) - [Kitten vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kitten-vaccine-schedule/) - [Which vaccines does a cat need for boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/) - [How far ahead to vaccinate before a stay](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) - [Titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### What does kennel cough sound like? Often a dry, harsh, hacking cough, sometimes ending in a gag. ### Should I take a coughing dog to the vet? Yes. Phone your veterinarian. Call right away if the dog stops eating, is very tired, has a fever or breathes with effort. ### Can I board a dog that has a cough? Hold off and speak to your veterinarian first, then call the kennel to plan new dates. ### Is a cough after boarding always kennel cough? No. Several things can cause a cough. A veterinarian can tell.