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Vaccinated dog coughing & eye discharge. Is it kennel cough?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 75 lbs

My dog has had a cough for a few days. Today he has been a bit more sluggish, and has one eye that has been oozing, and his appetite hasn't been as good. I just learned tonight that a few of the dogs that he plays with in our neighborhood have kennel cough. My dog was vaccinated for this. Can he still have the illness, and how should I treat him.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 24th, 2018

Yes , it is possible that Theo can still get kennel cough, even though he was vaccinated. Kennel cough is a respiratory disease complex that can be caused by a large number of various bacteria and viruses. The vaccination only covers Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the bacterium which is the main cause. So if your dog catches kennel cough he can still get infected with the other bacteria and viruses, but he will be immune against Bordetella. This then usually causes the kennel cough to be milder. Because Theo has a oozing eye I suggest you take him to the vet for an exam. If he has a fever as well and should he have an eye infection he will need antibiotics, If he has a bad cough your vet can also give him some cough medicine. Usually kennel cough is self-limiting and goes away within 3-4 weeks, but sometimes a dog needs medication to help it get over it.

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Kennel cough can be caused by a combination of viral and bacterial agents so unfortunately the vaccine does not protect against all threats. The most concerning thing that you report is that your pup is not eating well. What I would recommend is having your pup seen by your family vet for some chest x-rays and to make sure he doesn't have a fever. Occasionally kennel cough can progress to pneumonia which would be more serious. Having a visit allows your vet to evaluate your pup and to determine if he needs antibiotics and supportive care or more aggressive care. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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