Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, the dog's vaccination status, and an assessment of whether the dog has had contact with other potentially infected animals through areas where groups of dogs are housed, such as boarding facilities, obedience training classes, and dog shows. Pressing or gently palpating the windpipe of a dog with kennel cough will usually produce a harsh, dry, "goose honking" cough. Dogs who have a more severe infection may need to have their blood drawn for a complete blood count, or CBC, so that the veterinarian can look for any changes in the red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Many times, the white blood cell numbers will be higher than normal if there is an infection. If pneumonia is suspected chest x-rays will be able to show any signs of lung disease.