Can Dogs Get Whooping Cough? Exploring the Facts and Symptoms

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease most commonly associated with humans, especially children. But what about our furry companions? If you’ve ever wondered, “Do dogs get whooping cough?” you’re not alone. Pet owners often worry about the health risks their dogs might face, especially when symptoms like persistent coughing arise. Understanding whether this illness crosses species lines is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your beloved pet.

While dogs are susceptible to a variety of respiratory infections, the question of whooping cough in canines opens up a fascinating discussion about disease transmission, symptoms, and prevention. Exploring this topic sheds light on how certain illnesses affect different species and what signs pet owners should watch for. It also highlights the importance of veterinary care and awareness in maintaining your dog’s respiratory health.

In the following sections, we will delve into the nature of whooping cough, its relevance to dogs, and what steps you can take if your pet shows signs of respiratory distress. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to pet care, gaining insight into this topic will empower you to better protect your furry friend from potential health threats.

Susceptibility of Dogs to Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*. This disease primarily affects humans, especially children, and is characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a distinctive “whooping” sound. When considering whether dogs can contract whooping cough, it is important to understand the host specificity of the causative agent.

Dogs are not susceptible to *Bordetella pertussis* because this bacterium is highly adapted to humans. However, dogs can be affected by a related but distinct bacterium, *Bordetella bronchiseptica*, which causes a respiratory condition commonly known as kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. This disease shares some symptoms with whooping cough, such as coughing and respiratory distress, but it is caused by a different pathogen specific to canines.

Canine Kennel Cough vs. Human Whooping Cough

While both whooping cough in humans and kennel cough in dogs involve bacteria from the genus *Bordetella*, the differences between the diseases are significant:

  • Causative Agents:
  • Human whooping cough: *Bordetella pertussis*
  • Canine kennel cough: *Bordetella bronchiseptica*
  • Host Range:
  • *B. pertussis* infects humans only
  • *B. bronchiseptica* primarily infects dogs, cats, rabbits, and occasionally other animals
  • Transmission:
  • Whooping cough spreads through human respiratory droplets
  • Kennel cough spreads through close contact among dogs, particularly in crowded environments like kennels or dog parks
  • Symptoms:
  • Whooping cough: paroxysmal coughing with a “whoop” sound, vomiting after coughing, exhaustion
  • Kennel cough: persistent cough, gagging, nasal discharge, and sometimes mild fever
Aspect Whooping Cough (Humans) Kennel Cough (Dogs)
Causative Agent Bordetella pertussis Bordetella bronchiseptica
Host Humans only Dogs, cats, rabbits, other animals
Transmission Human respiratory droplets Close contact among dogs
Symptoms Severe coughing fits, “whoop” sound Persistent cough, gagging, nasal discharge
Treatment Antibiotics, supportive care Antibiotics, cough suppressants, supportive care
Prevention Vaccination (DTaP, Tdap) Vaccination, avoiding crowded dog environments

Transmission Risks Between Dogs and Humans

The risk of dogs transmitting whooping cough to humans is negligible because *Bordetella pertussis* does not infect dogs. Conversely, *Bordetella bronchiseptica* can occasionally infect immunocompromised humans, but this is rare. This zoonotic potential is limited and generally only observed in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

It is important for pet owners to understand that while kennel cough is contagious among dogs, it poses minimal risk to humans. Good hygiene practices and responsible pet care can further reduce any remote risk of cross-species transmission.

Prevention and Management of Respiratory Infections in Dogs

Preventing respiratory infections like kennel cough in dogs involves several proactive measures:

  • Vaccination:

Dogs can receive vaccines against *Bordetella bronchiseptica* which are available in injectable, intranasal, or oral forms. These vaccines reduce the severity and spread of infection but may not provide complete immunity.

  • Environmental Control:

Avoiding overcrowded environments such as kennels or dog parks during outbreaks can limit exposure.

  • Hygiene:

Regular cleaning of dog bedding, toys, and communal areas helps reduce bacterial load.

  • Prompt Veterinary Care:

Early diagnosis and treatment improve recovery outcomes and reduce transmission risk to other dogs.

Dogs showing symptoms of kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs to prevent spread, and owners should consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment options including antibiotics and supportive care.

Key Differences in Treatment Approaches

Although both whooping cough in humans and kennel cough in dogs are bacterial infections, their treatment protocols differ due to the species affected and disease characteristics:

  • Human Whooping Cough:
  • Antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin are prescribed to reduce bacterial load and contagiousness.
  • Supportive care includes hydration, oxygen therapy, and sometimes hospitalization in severe cases.
  • Canine Kennel Cough:
  • Antibiotics are used when a bacterial infection is confirmed or suspected.
  • Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications may be administered to ease symptoms.
  • Most dogs recover within 2 to 3 weeks with appropriate care.

Both conditions benefit from early detection and intervention to minimize complications and prevent spread.

Can Dogs Contract Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease primarily caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*. This infection is predominantly a human illness, characterized by severe coughing fits and a distinctive “whooping” sound during inhalation. When considering whether dogs can contract whooping cough, it is essential to differentiate between the pathogens affecting humans and those affecting canines.

Dogs do not contract whooping cough caused by *Bordetella pertussis*. However, they are susceptible to a similar but distinct respiratory condition known as kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, which is caused by different bacteria and viruses.

Understanding Canine Respiratory Diseases Similar to Whooping Cough

Kennel cough in dogs shares some clinical signs with human whooping cough, such as persistent coughing and respiratory distress, but the causative agents and disease dynamics differ significantly.

Key characteristics of kennel cough:

  • Causative agents:
  • *Bordetella bronchiseptica* (a close relative of *B. pertussis*)
  • Canine parainfluenza virus
  • Canine adenovirus type 2
  • Other respiratory viruses and bacteria
  • Transmission:
  • Highly contagious among dogs, especially in close-contact environments like kennels, shelters, and dog parks
  • Spread primarily via respiratory droplets and direct contact
  • Symptoms:
  • Dry, hacking cough often described as “honking”
  • Gagging or retching after coughing
  • Sneezing and nasal discharge (in some cases)
  • Mild fever and lethargy may occur but are less common
  • Duration:
  • Typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks
  • Most dogs recover with minimal intervention, but severe cases can require veterinary care

Differences Between Human Whooping Cough and Canine Kennel Cough

Aspect Human Whooping Cough Canine Kennel Cough
Causative Agent *Bordetella pertussis* *Bordetella bronchiseptica* and viruses
Species Affected Humans Dogs
Contagious To Humans (highly contagious) Dogs (highly contagious among dogs)
Characteristic Cough Severe paroxysmal cough with “whooping” sound Dry, hacking, honking cough
Vaccination Availability Yes (DTaP/Tdap vaccines for humans) Yes (intranasal and injectable vaccines for dogs)
Zoonotic Risk No significant risk to dogs Low risk to humans, but rare transmission possible

Can Dogs Transmit Whooping Cough to Humans or Vice Versa?

The risk of cross-species transmission between humans and dogs regarding whooping cough is extremely low. While *Bordetella bronchiseptica* in dogs is closely related to *B. pertussis*, it typically does not cause the classic whooping cough in humans. Conversely, *B. pertussis* does not infect dogs.

  • Zoonotic potential:
  • *Bordetella bronchiseptica* can occasionally infect immunocompromised humans, but this is rare.
  • Dogs are not considered a reservoir for human whooping cough.
  • Precautions:
  • Humans with pertussis should avoid close contact with susceptible dogs to minimize any theoretical risk.
  • Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs to prevent spread.

Prevention and Treatment of Canine Kennel Cough

Preventing kennel cough is essential to maintain canine respiratory health, especially in environments with multiple dogs.

Prevention strategies:

  • Vaccination:
  • Intranasal and injectable vaccines targeting *Bordetella bronchiseptica* and canine parainfluenza virus
  • Recommended for dogs frequently exposed to other dogs (kennels, dog parks)
  • Avoiding exposure:
  • Limit contact with infected dogs
  • Maintain good hygiene and sanitation in dog facilities

Treatment options:

  • Supportive care:
  • Cough suppressants under veterinary guidance
  • Maintaining hydration and rest
  • Antibiotics:
  • Prescribed if bacterial infection is confirmed or suspected, especially with *Bordetella bronchiseptica* involvement
  • Monitoring:
  • Watch for worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or prolonged fever, which require immediate veterinary attention

Summary of Key Points Regarding Dogs and Whooping Cough

Question Answer
Can dogs get whooping cough? No, dogs do not get whooping cough caused by *B. pertussis*.
Do dogs get a similar illness? Yes, dogs can develop kennel cough caused by *B. bronchiseptica* and other pathogens.
Is kennel cough contagious? Yes, highly contagious among dogs.
Can kennel cough infect humans? Rarely, mostly only immunocompromised individuals may be at risk.
Are vaccines available for dogs? Yes, vaccines can prevent kennel cough.

Consulting a Veterinarian for Respiratory Concerns in Dogs

If a dog exhibits persistent coughing or respiratory distress, prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial. The veterinarian will:

  • Perform a thorough physical examination
  • Possibly conduct diagnostic tests such as throat swabs or chest X-rays
  • Recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause

Early intervention helps prevent complications and limits transmission to other dogs.

Veterinary and Medical Experts Discuss Canine Susceptibility to Whooping Cough

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinary Infectious Disease Specialist, Canine Health Institute). While whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is primarily a human respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, dogs do not contract whooping cough in the same way humans do. However, dogs can suffer from a similar respiratory illness called kennel cough, which is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, a relative of the pertussis bacterium.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Animal Sciences). It is important to clarify that dogs do not get whooping cough as humans experience it, but they are susceptible to respiratory infections that mimic some symptoms, such as intense coughing fits. Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes kennel cough in dogs, is closely related to the pertussis bacterium but is species-specific and does not cause classic whooping cough in canines.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinary Epidemiologist, National Animal Health Laboratory). From an epidemiological perspective, whooping cough is not a disease that affects dogs. The pathogens responsible for whooping cough in humans do not typically infect dogs. Nonetheless, veterinarians should remain vigilant about kennel cough outbreaks, as they can cause significant respiratory distress in dogs and share some clinical features with human pertussis, though they are distinct illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do dogs get whooping cough?
Dogs do not typically contract whooping cough, which is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and primarily affects humans.

Can dogs catch respiratory infections similar to whooping cough?
Yes, dogs can develop kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, which has symptoms somewhat similar to whooping cough in humans.

Is kennel cough in dogs contagious to humans?
Kennel cough is generally species-specific, but in rare cases, immunocompromised individuals may be at risk of transmission from dogs.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough in dogs?
Common symptoms include a persistent dry cough, gagging, sneezing, nasal discharge, and mild lethargy.

How is kennel cough diagnosed and treated in dogs?
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and history; treatment typically involves supportive care, cough suppressants, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

Can vaccination prevent kennel cough in dogs?
Yes, vaccines are available to protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica and can reduce the severity and spread of kennel cough.
Dogs do not typically get whooping cough, as this respiratory illness is primarily caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which specifically affects humans. However, dogs can suffer from a similar respiratory condition known as kennel cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and other pathogens. While both diseases share some symptoms such as coughing, kennel cough in dogs is distinct from whooping cough in humans in terms of causative agents and clinical presentation.

It is important for dog owners to recognize the signs of kennel cough, which include a persistent, dry cough, gagging, and nasal discharge. This condition is contagious among dogs, especially in environments where many dogs congregate, such as kennels or dog parks. Vaccination and good hygiene practices are effective measures to prevent the spread of kennel cough.

In summary, while dogs do not contract whooping cough, they are susceptible to a related respiratory infection that requires appropriate veterinary attention. Understanding the differences between these illnesses helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding both canine health and public awareness.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.