Kennel cough occurs most often in dogs who have recently boarded, gone to doggy daycare, or been groomed in a facility where they have been exposed to other dogs.
Yes, dogs can absolutely contract kennel cough from groomers. Despite the name suggesting it’s only found in kennels, kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is highly contagious and can spread in any environment where dogs congregate, including grooming facilities.
As a dog owner myself, I’ve always been a bit nervous about my pup picking up something at the groomer’s. While I love seeing my fur baby all clean and fluffy, that joy can quickly turn to worry if they develop that distinctive hacking cough a few days later.
What Exactly Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough isn’t caused by just one pathogen. It’s typically a complex combination of viral and bacterial agents. The primary culprit is usually Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, often working alongside viruses like canine parainfluenza or adenovirus.
This infection targets your dog’s respiratory system specifically affecting the
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Bronchi (large airways)
The inflammation and irritation in these areas produce that characteristic harsh, hacking cough that sounds like your dog is trying to clear something from their throat.
Why Grooming Salons Are Potential Hotspots
There’s several reasons why grooming facilities can be breeding grounds for kennel cough:
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Close Proximity: Multiple dogs share the same space in waiting areas, grooming tables, and bathing stations.
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Shared Airspace: The pathogens that cause kennel cough are airborne and can easily spread through ventilation systems.
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Surface Contamination: Grooming tools, cages, tables, and even the groomers themselves can harbor and transmit infectious agents.
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Dryers and Equipment: As Tiffany Santos (a professional groomer) points out, dryers can potentially spread airborne pathogens if not properly maintained.
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Stress Factor: The stress of being groomed can temporarily weaken a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infection.
Incubation Period and Symptoms to Watch For
After exposure, kennel cough typically takes 2-14 days to develop symptoms. If your dog has visited a groomer within this timeframe and starts showing signs, kennel cough might be the culprit.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- A persistent, dry, hacking cough (most common sign)
- Gagging or retching sounds, especially after coughing
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Lethargy in some cases
- Loss of appetite (less common)
Most cases are mild, but puppies, elderly dogs, or those with compromised immune systems might develop more serious complications like pneumonia.
Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe at the Groomer’s
I’ve learned that prevention is WAY better than dealing with a sick pup! Here’s how to reduce the risk:
1. Vaccination Is Key
Ensure your dog is up-to-date on their Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. This comes in different forms:
- Injectable
- Intranasal (nose drops)
- Oral
While not 100% effective (since multiple pathogens can cause kennel cough), vaccination significantly reduces severity and duration if your dog does get infected.
2. Choose Your Groomer Wisely
Look for a reputable groomer who prioritizes hygiene and sanitation. A good groomer should:
- Require proof of vaccination for all dogs
- Disinfect tools and surfaces regularly
- Have proper ventilation
- Maintain a clean environment
- Change dryer filters daily
- Use disinfectant between dogs
Tiffany Santos mentions that responsible groomers spray disinfectant after using drying cages, change and clean dryer filters daily, and regularly sanitize their hands and equipment.
3. Avoid Crowded Waiting Areas
If possible, wait outside or in your car until it’s your dog’s turn to minimize exposure to other dogs.
4. Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask your groomer about their sanitation practices! A good groomer will be happy to explain their procedures for preventing disease spread.
5. Boost Immunity
Support your dog’s immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Consider immune-boosting supplements after consulting with your vet.
What If My Dog Gets Kennel Cough Despite Precautions?
Even with the best preventive measures, infections can sometimes occur. Most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own within 1-3 weeks, but treatment may be necessary if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Treatment Options
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Rest: Provide a quiet, comfortable environment for recovery.
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Cough Suppressants: Your vet may prescribe medications to alleviate coughing.
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Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is suspected, your vet might prescribe antibiotics. Never give antibiotics without consulting a vet first!
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Humidifier: Using a humidifier can moisten airways and ease coughing.
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Isolation: Keep your infected dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear, as they can still be contagious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many pet owners make these errors that can worsen the situation:
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Skipping Vaccinations: Not vaccinating against kennel cough, especially if your dog frequents places like groomers.
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Ignoring Early Symptoms: Delaying treatment can allow the infection to worsen.
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Self-Medicating: Giving human cough medications to your dog without veterinary guidance can be dangerous.
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Returning to Social Settings Too Soon: Bringing your dog back to the groomer or dog park before they’re fully recovered can spread the infection.
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Not Notifying Your Groomer: If your dog develops kennel cough after grooming, let the groomer know so they can take extra precautions with other dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my dog contagious with kennel cough?
Dogs typically remain contagious for at least two weeks after symptoms subside, sometimes longer. Even if the cough seems gone, they might still be shedding pathogens.
Can kennel cough be transmitted to humans?
While rare, the bacterial agent Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally be transmitted to humans with weakened immune systems, such as children, elderly individuals, or those with respiratory conditions.
Do I still need to vaccinate if my dog only visits the groomer occasionally?
Yes! Even sporadic visits to the groomer warrant vaccination, as exposure to just one infected dog can lead to kennel cough. Better safe than sorry!
Can I groom my dog at home to avoid kennel cough?
Home grooming does reduce exposure risk compared to professional grooming. However, if your dog interacts with other dogs in different environments, they can still contract kennel cough.
My dog coughed once or twice after grooming. Is it kennel cough?
Not necessarily. Occasional coughing might be due to irritation from grooming products or stress. Monitor your dog closely – if the cough persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian.
The Reality of Kennel Cough at Groomers
Here’s something interesting that many dog owners don’t realize: sometimes a dog can come in for grooming looking perfectly healthy but might already be incubating the virus. Some dogs can even spread the disease while showing minimal symptoms themselves.
As Tiffany Santos points out, “Some pets can spread the disease and have very little, if any, symptoms. As a matter of fact, some pets that recover from an episode of kennel cough could be spreading the disease in their saliva for months afterward.”
This is why vaccination is so important – even if it doesn’t prevent 100% of cases, vaccinated dogs typically experience milder symptoms and recover faster.
Final Thoughts
While the risk of kennel cough at groomers is real, it shouldn’t stop you from keeping your pup clean and well-groomed. With proper vaccination, careful selection of your groomer, and awareness of symptoms, you can minimize the risk while maintaining your dog’s health and appearance.
If your dog does develop a cough after grooming, don’t immediately blame the groomer – they’re typically doing their best to maintain cleanliness. Instead, contact your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment, and inform your groomer so they can take additional precautions with other dogs.
Remember: a well-informed pet parent is a good pet parent! By understanding the risks and taking appropriate preventive measures, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Prevention of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Preventing kennel cough in dogs includes vaccination and avoiding exposure.
The kennel cough vaccination protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the leading causes of kennel cough.
While the Bordetella vaccination can decrease your dogs risk of contracting kennel cough, it’s still possible for them to become infected with another pathogen.
The best way to avoid kennel cough is to prevent your dog from being exposed.
Avoiding places where many dogs are housed together is the easiest way to minimize their risk. Doggy daycares and boarding facilities are often crowded environments where dogs are more likely to spread respiratory illness to one another if one dog is affected.
Consider using an in-home pet-sitting service or groomer to help prevent exposure to kennel cough.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough in dogs is usually diagnosed by a combination of history and clinical signs.
Your vet will want to hear your dog cough. If possible, bring a video of them coughing at home in case they don’t cough while they’re in the vet clinic.
Let your vet know if your dog is lethargic or is not eating well. Your veterinarian may recommend chest X-rays to evaluate your dog’s lungs.
They may also recommend a nasal swab to send off for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or a culture to determine the underlying cause of your dogs infectious respiratory disease.