I had to take my 2 dogs to "the doggie hotel" for the holidays and they are both snorting as if something is in their throats (like they do when they drink water too fast). We vaccinated -as was required by the kennel - before dropping them off, and what they are doing definitely does not sound like a cough. It sounds as if they are attempting to "hawk" something up. Does anyone know what this could be and what I should do? It seemed to be worse yesterday as it came it fits, while today they are just giving a snort or two. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Probably kennel cough even if it doesn't always sound like a cough.

I think your dogs may have kennel cough even though they may have been vaccinated. The vaccine may have been outdated or it didn't have enough time to thoroughly protect them. Other reasons may be because of the stench of urine/feces and/or an adverse reaction to ammonia or bleach, which kennels frequently use to clean. Try to give them as much fresh air as possible and if their condition doesn't improve, visit your vet.

Vaccines don't protect against kennel cough.

Here's a site that better describes the symptoms of kennel cough.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marvistavet.com%2Fhtml%2Fbody _kennel_cough.html&rct=j&q=vaccine%20against%20kennel%20cough&ei=Z1wdTeeWGcyqngeVzJD_DQ&usg=AFQjCNHZ57GlZjrSBHd4IIetYwXpwufsoA&cad=rja

"There are basically two options for Kennel cough vaccination: injectable and intranasal. It is important to realize that not all members of the Kennel Cough complex have a vaccine. Also, because Kennel Cough is a localized infection (meaning it is local to the respiratory tract), it is an infection that does not lend itself to prevention by vaccination. Vaccination must be regularly boosted and often vaccination simply muffles the severity of infection without completely preventing it." (from above site, and verified by my vet)

If you haven't already, it's time to take your dog to the vet.