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My 3-year-old dog is coughing. Is it kennel cough? What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 80 lbs

is it common for 3yr old puppies to get kennel cough and what is kennel cough? My puppy naja had this bed cough ever since she got into chocolate on nov 15 so idk she threw up everything the day after but is stuck with this cough im worried

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 21st, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection which sometimes can even affect the lower respitatory system or lungs. It is sometimes due to bacterial or viral infections. This is a relatively common disease in puppies especially if not vaccinated. It is contagious and usually dogs get it from other affected dogs. Coughing can of course happen due to other pulmonary conditions like pneumonia for example. I recommend that you have Naja evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take thoracic radiographs and may prescribe antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Kennel cough is a bacterial infection that any dog can get at any age. It is sort of like the flu ( which there is a dog flu, too ). I wonder if she may have irritated her esophagus when she vomited. This can happen if some of the vomit is aspirated. There are also other causes of coughing, such as from heart disease, heartworms, or even bronchitis or pneumonia.
Your veterinarian can sort this out very quickly with an examination. There are some characteristics to cough that can determine what is going on, & easy testing to rule out things like heartworms. I hope you can connect with your veterinarian soon, to discover what is causing Naja's cough. I hope all is well soon. thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 27th, 2019
Sounds like he may have kennel cough but without examining him myself I really can't say for sure. I suggest you video tape the behavior and take him to the vet for an exam. Show them the video in case he doesn't do the behavior during the exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 23rd, 2019
Based on the symptoms you are describing, and the fact that he is continuing to decline, I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian sooner than the recheck in 7 days. I would get him seen now and have some additional testing performed (parvo test, blood testing, etc.). The sooner he is seen the better. I hope this helps and hope he gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 12th, 2017
Although kennel cough is most of the times a moderate and self limiting disease, the signs you are describing could be compatible with a more severe infection and antibiotics may be needed to speed up recovery time. I would stringy recommend a check up and appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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