kennel cough

[ ken-l kawf, kof ]

noun

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. a highly contagious but usually mild respiratory infection in dogs, characterized by a dry hacking or gagging cough and caused by a number of bacteria and viruses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kennel cough¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Like kennel cough, it is highly contagious among dogs and symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy.

From Seattle Times

Rather, veterinarians make the determination when evaluating a dog who is suffering respiratory symptoms but tests negative on a panel of common diseases with similar symptoms, such as kennel cough.

From Los Angeles Times

The symptoms are similar to kennel cough, an upper respiratory infection, but can last much longer and, in some cases, prove fatal, according to veterinarians.

From New York Times

Experts say the illness at hand presents like “kennel cough,” a common canine condition, but appears to last longer and even be fatal in some cases.

From Salon

Laboratories in at least four states are investigating a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs presenting similar symptoms to kennel cough, but they can last much longer, and in some cases prove fatal, according to veterinarians.

From New York Times