Just as kids will often catch colds from classmates, dogs can become sick from other animals boarded at the same kennel. Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the combination of several viruses and bacteria. It affects a dog’s upper airway, causing laryngitis and a hacking, productive cough. Antibiotics may help, but they will not cure the infection until it has run its course of three to four weeks.
Most puppies get immunized against kennel cough, but the vaccine doesn’t always protect against newer versions of the disease. So choose a kennel carefully. Make sure it has low moisture in the air and good ventilation. Spending the extra time can help both you and your dog breathe a little easier.