Inflammation of the Windpipe and Airways in Dogs (Tracheobronchitis)

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of disease: Chest
Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 15.10.2026
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When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

?

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

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Definition

Tracheobronchitis in dogs, often referred to as “kennel cough”, is an inflammatory condition of the windpipe (trachea) and the bronchi. It can be caused by various pathogens and leads to Cough and breathing difficulties.

The most important facts at a glance

Tracheobronchitis is a common respiratory disease in dogs, characterized by Inflammatory conditions of the trachea and bronchi. Causes can include Infections, Allergies, and environmental irritants that trigger excessive mucus production and swelling of the mucous membranes. A common cause is Infection with the Bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, especially in environments with many dogs, such as animal shelters. Viruses such as canine parainfluenza virus also play a role. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and dust can also irritate the airways and contribute to Infections. Symptoms are Cough, hoarse Barking, increased breathing sounds, and Fever. Diagnosis is based on clinical Symptoms, examination, and, if necessary, tests such as X-rays. Treatment depends on the severity of the Symptoms; rest and avoiding Stress are important. Cough suppressants and antibiotics can help, especially with bacterial Infections. In severe cases, more intensive treatment may be required. The Prognosis is usually good if the disease is detected early. Prevention includes vaccinations against Bordetella and parainfluenza virus, avoiding Contact with sick animals, and good hygiene. In addition, a low-irritant environment should be ensured to protect the dog’s airways. These measures help to reduce the risk of tracheobronchitis.

Causes

Tracheobronchitis is a common respiratory condition in dogs, characterized by inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. This inflammation can be triggered by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, and environmental irritants. The mucous membranes of the airways respond to these irritants with excessive mucus production and Swelling, leading to the typical symptoms of the disease.

One of the most common causes of tracheobronchitis is an infection with the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is closely related to the pathogen that causes whooping cough in humans. This infection is particularly common in environments where many dogs are kept in close quarters, such as animal shelters or kennels. In addition to Bordetella, viruses such as canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus can also play a role.

Another factor that can contribute to the development of tracheobronchitis is exposure to irritating substances such as cigarette smoke, dust, or air pollution. These environmental factors can irritate the airways and weaken the mucous membranes’ defense mechanisms, increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The Symptoms of tracheobronchitis in dogs are usually very characteristic and include a dry, hacking Cough, often described as “goosebumps”. This Cough can be worsened by excitement or physical activity and often causes the dog to gag or vomit.

In addition to the Cough, affected dogs may sneeze, show nasal discharge, and have an increased respiratory rate. In severe cases, Fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur. Especially in young or immunocompromised dogs, the disease can be more severe and lead to Pneumonia.

Therapy

Treatment for tracheobronchitis depends on the severity of the Symptoms and the underlying cause. In many cases, the Symptoms resolve on their own within one to two weeks if the dog is kept rested. Rest and avoiding Stress are crucial to support recovery.

To relieve Symptoms, cough suppressants may be prescribed, while antibiotics may be necessary if a bacterial Infection, such as by Bordetella bronchiseptica, is suspected or confirmed. In more severe cases, especially with Pneumonia, more intensive treatment including fluid therapy and oxygen supplementation may be required.

It is important to isolate dogs from other animals during recovery to prevent the spread of the infection. In addition, ensure good ventilation and air quality in the dog’s environment to avoid further irritation of the airways.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The Prognosis for dogs with tracheobronchitis is generally good, especially if the disease is detected early and treated appropriately. Most dogs recover fully within a few weeks and do not show any lasting damage afterward.

Complications are rare but can occur in immunocompromised or very young dogs. In such cases, the disease can be more severe and require more intensive medical care. However, long-term problems are rare.

Prevention

For prevention of tracheobronchitis, there are several measures dog owners can take. One of the most effective methods is vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. These vaccinations are especially important for dogs that regularly come into Contact with other dogs, such as at dog training schools, boarding kennels, or shows.

Furthermore, Contact with sick animals should be avoided, and good hygiene in the dog’s environment should be maintained. Regular cleaning of food and water bowls, sleeping areas, and toys can reduce the risk of Infection.

Finally, care should be taken not to unnecessarily irritate the dog’s respiratory tract. This means not keeping the dog in smoky or dusty environments and ensuring adequate ventilation indoors. By taking these measures, the risk of tracheobronchitis can be significantly reduced.

Outlook on current research

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Today, tracheobronchitis in dogs is less understood as a single disease and more as part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), i.e., a pathogen complex involving multiple viruses and Bacteria. These include, among others, Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, adenoviruses, mycoplasmas, and other respiratory pathogens. That is precisely why research is now focusing less on a single “main germ” and more on the interaction of multiple pathogens, on co-infections, and on factors such as Stress, housing density, and immune status. (merckvetmanual.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

A key area of research is faster and more precise Diagnosis. PCR panels now allow the detection of multiple respiratory pathogens at the same time, but it is still not always clear whether a detected germ is actually the main cause of the Symptoms. In the future, better diagnostic strategies are intended to help distinguish clinically relevant Infections from mere pathogen detection. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

A second focus is vaccine and prevention research. This is about broader mucosal immunity, better control of outbreaks in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or hospitals, as well as antibiotic restraint when no bacterial complication is present. (merckvetmanual.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Overall, the outlook is good: research is clearly moving away from the simplistic picture of “kennel cough” toward an ecologically and immunologically differentiated respiratory medicine in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is tracheobronchitis?
Tracheobronchitis is an inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. It can be acute or chronic and can be triggered by infections, irritants, allergies, or anatomical problems. A well-known form is "kennel cough" (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex).
2. Which pathogens are involved?
In infectious kennel cough, Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 2, canine herpesvirus, Mycoplasma, and for some years now also canine influenza virus are relevant. Mixed infections are common.
3. What symptoms do affected dogs show?
Typical signs are a dry, harsh, often "throaty" Cough, often with Gagging, sometimes eye and nasal discharge, mild Fever, and reduced appetite. In otherwise healthy adult dogs, the general condition usually remains good. Puppies, old, or immunosuppressed animals can become more severely ill and develop pneumonia.
4. How is the diagnosis made?
Hospital and medical history (contact with other dogs, dog training school, boarding kennel) are often sufficient. In severe or chronic cases, X-ray, bronchoscopy with lavage, microbiological tests, and PCR panels are used to identify the exact pathogens and concurrent conditions.
5. How is tracheobronchitis treated?
Mild cases in otherwise healthy dogs often resolve within one to two weeks without specific therapy. Cough suppressants (for example butorphanol) relieve the symptom. Antibiotics are used selectively in cases of confirmed bacterial involvement, Fever, purulent secretions, or severe clinical signs.
6. What to do for chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis occurs mainly in middle-aged to older dogs. Therapy goals are reducing the inflammation with inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, loosening mucus with inhalation and bronchodilators, treating secondary infections, and avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke and dust.
7. When is coughing an emergency?
Cough with marked breathing difficulties, blue mucous membranes, syncope, high Fever, bloody sputum, or rapid deterioration in general condition is an emergency. These symptoms may indicate pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, or other serious conditions.
8. What role does vaccination play?
Vaccinations against Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus, often in combination, are recommended before boarding kennels, dog training school, or shows. They do not prevent an outbreak 100%, but they significantly reduce the course and risk of transmission. Mucosal vaccines (nasal drops, oral) are particularly effective.
9. How long is a sick dog contagious?
With kennel cough, the dog is considered contagious for two to three weeks depending on the pathogen, and sometimes longer with Bordetella. During this time, other dogs should be avoided. The environment should be cleaned regularly and well ventilated.
10. What is the prognosis?
The prognosis is very good for acute, infectious tracheobronchitis in adult dogs. In puppies, old dogs, or cases with pneumonia, the disease is more severe, but with timely treatment it is usually manageable. Chronic bronchitis cannot be cured, but it can be managed well with consistent therapy.

Literature

  • Reagan, K. L., & Sykes, J. E. (2020). Canine infectious respiratory disease. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 50(2), 405–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.10.009
  • Lappin, M. R., Blondeau, J., Boothe, D., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Guardabassi, L., Lloyd, D. H., Papich, M. G., Rankin, S. C., Sykes, J. E., Turnidge, J., & Weese, J. S. (2017). Antimicrobial use guidelines for treatment of respiratory tract disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(2), 279–294. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14627
  • Day, M. J., Carey, S., Clercx, C., Kohn, B., MarsilIo, F., Thiry, E., Freyburger, L., Schulz, B., & Walker, D. J. (2020). Aetiology of canine infectious respiratory disease complex and prevalence of its pathogens in Europe. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 176, 86–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.005
  • Thieulent, C. J., Laverack, M., Carossino, M., Cronk, B., Caserta, L. C., Diel, D. G., & Balasuriya, U. B. R. (2025). Detection of pathogens in dogs with respiratory disease during winter 2023–2024 using multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR assays and next-generation sequencing. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, Article 1617147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1617147
  • Ouyang, Z., Joffe, D., Weese, J. S., & Poljak, Z. (2024). Risk factors for canine infectious respiratory disease complex and the pathogens associated with the disease. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 65(11), 1172–1179.
  • Schulz, B. S., Kurz, S., Weber, K., Balzer, H.-J., & Hartmann, K. (2014). Detection of respiratory viruses and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with acute respiratory tract infections. The Veterinary Journal, 201(3), 365–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.019
  • Yondo, A., Koma, T., & others. (2023). Predominance of canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease complex in Thailand. Viruses, 15(11), Article 2196. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112196
  • Edinboro, C. H., Ward, M. P., & Glickman, L. T. (2004). A placebo-controlled trial of two intranasal vaccines to prevent tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs entering a humane shelter. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 62(2), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2003.10.008
  • Reagan, K. L., & Sykes, J. E. (2020). Canine infectious respiratory disease. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 50(2), 405–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.10.009
  • Lappin, M. R., Blondeau, J., Boothe, D., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Guardabassi, L., Lloyd, D. H., Papich, M. G., Rankin, S. C., Sykes, J. E., Turnidge, J., & Weese, J. S. (2017). Antimicrobial use guidelines for treatment of respiratory tract disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(2), 279–294. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14627
  • Day, M. J., Carey, S., Clercx, C., Kohn, B., MarsilIo, F., Thiry, E., Freyburger, L., Schulz, B., & Walker, D. J. (2020). Aetiology of canine infectious respiratory disease complex and prevalence of its pathogens in Europe. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 176, 86–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.005
  • Thieulent, C. J., Laverack, M., Carossino, M., Cronk, B., Caserta, L. C., Diel, D. G., & Balasuriya, U. B. R. (2025). Detection of pathogens in dogs with respiratory disease during winter 2023–2024 using multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR assays and next-generation sequencing. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, Article 1617147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1617147
  • Ouyang, Z., Joffe, D., Weese, J. S., & Poljak, Z. (2024). Risk factors for canine infectious respiratory disease complex and the pathogens associated with the disease. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 65(11), 1172–1179.
  • Schulz, B. S., Kurz, S., Weber, K., Balzer, H.-J., & Hartmann, K. (2014). Detection of respiratory viruses and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with acute respiratory tract infections. The Veterinary Journal, 201(3), 365–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.019
  • Yondo, A., Koma, T., & others. (2023). Predominance of canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease complex in Thailand. Viruses, 15(11), Article 2196. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112196
  • Edinboro, C. H., Ward, M. P., & Glickman, L. T. (2004). A placebo-controlled trial of two intranasal vaccines to prevent tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs entering a humane shelter. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 62(2), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2003.10.008