Home Treatment for Kennel Cough

A home treatment for kennel cough can save you a trip to the vet. Learn how to determine if your dog truly has kennel cough and what you can do to ease the symptoms as the illness runs its course.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is basically an upper respiratory infection, similar to the common cold. The condition is caused by a variety of airborne viruses and bacteria, so it's not surprising that so many dogs will experience a round of it at some point in their lives.

The typical case of simple kennel cough will last anywhere from one to three weeks and requires little to no medical treatment. The duration of the disease depends a lot on a dog's age and health prior to the infection. As with many conditions, puppies and senior pets have the hardest time fighting off the infection.

Even though kennel cough is not immediately life threatening, dog owners should have their pets vaccinated against it. In extreme cases, the infection can progress into pneumonia- a condition that is life threatening.

How Do I Tell if My Dog Has It?

Does your dog cough intermittently? Does the coughing increase during activity? Can you hear your pet coughing more at night when he's lying down? Chances are he has kennel cough.

Other symptoms can include:

• Runny eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Vomiting mucous at the end of a coughing spasm

You can determine if your dog has kennel cough at home by using the same technique as your vet. Place your fingers on your dog's trachea at the center of his neck, just above his collar. Now press gently against his airway for just a second. If this immediately triggers a round of coughing, you can be reasonably sure your dog has kennel cough.

When a Vet Should Be Consulted

As mentioned above, most cases of kennel cough are no more dangerous to your pet than the common cold. However, the infection can become quite serious if your dog's immune system isn't able to throw it off.

It's quite common for infected dogs to cough up mucous during the course of the illness, and clear or cream colored phlegm is considered usual with a simple infection. However, shades of deep gold to green phlegm indicate a secondary bacterial infection has taken hold, and this is definitely the time to call your vet into the situation. At this point, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic and provide other supportive measures as needed.

Home Treatment for Kennel Cough Patients

You can always play it on the safe side and take your dog straight to the vet when you suspect your dog has a case of kennel cough. Your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic right off the bat to head off a possible secondary bacterial infection. Generally there's no harm in doing this, but it can take a big bite out of your wallet.

Conventional Home Treatment

Just as when children have a cold, some pet parents prefer to let a simple case of kennel cough run its course while they provide comfort and relief for their dog at home.

Basic home treatment for kennel cough includes:

• Keeping your dog warm, quiet and free from drafts
• Removing your dog's collar to prevent excessive coughing stimulation
• Encouraging your dog to drink plenty of fresh water
• Providing wet food just in case your dog's throat is sore and irritated

You can provide additional relief for your pet by giving him a vaporizing treatment three times a day. Run a hot shower in your bathroom and let the steam build up with the door closed. Take your dog into the bathroom and let him breathe in the steam for 20 minutes. The vapor will help open his bronchial tubes, which in turn makes his coughs more productive. This will enable your dog to rid himself of more of the phlegm clogging his airways.

Homeopathic Treatment

A quick search of the Internet reveals a number of homeopathic products that can be used as a home treatment for kennel cough. These products are designed to support your dog's immune system and enable it to fight off the infection on its own. Although each product has its own unique formula, there are a few botanical ingredients that appear time and again on various labels.

These include:

• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago is a well known herbal remedy in the homeopathic community. It's an all around cough treatment that acts as an expectorant to help your dog cough up the mucous, as well as an anti-catarrhal to prevent mucous production. This in turn eases inflammation of the bronchial tubes and provides your dog a measure of relief.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea is regarded as an immune system booster that fortifies the body's fight against cold and flu. Furthermore, it provides additional support to the immune system after an infection until your dog is 100% recovered.
• Bryonia C6: Bryonia works double duty to moisturize irritated mucous membranes as well as clear mucous out of the system.

Conclusion

Keep in mind; you are more attuned to your dog's health than anyone else. If your dog appears to have any type of illness it is up to you to judge whether a trip to the vet is in order. Some illnesses can be safely ridden out at home, while others require professional medical intervention. The call is yours.

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