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Kennel cough is a fairly common health condition among dogs and accompanied by a dry, hacking cough. Dogs with this illness may cough all day, especially if they are doing extra activity. Although it can be quite a nuisance, kennel cough is rarely life-threatening. If your dog was diagnosed with this cough, you should make him as comfortable as possible. Here are seven useful tips for caring for a dog with kennel cough. Give Your Dog HoneyHoney is beneficial for dogs with kennel cough because it contains many antioxidants, enzymes and flavonoids. If you give your dog Manuka honey, it may relieve his symptoms and make him feel better. The amount of honey you give your dog will depend on his size. Large dogs need one tablespoon of honey a day, while medium dogs require two teaspoons. Smaller dogs only need one teaspoon of honey a day. If your dog does not want to eat honey, you could try mixing it in with one of his treats. Use a HumidifierAnother way to make your dog feel more comfortable is to put a humidifier next to his bed. It will add moisture to the air, helping soothe your dog's dry cough. Keep Your Dog HydratedIf your pooch has kennel cough, it's especially important to make sure he drinks enough water. It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster. If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes. Also, think about adding some chicken broth to your dog's water to make it more flavorful. Avoid Exposing Your Dog to Smoke and Other IrritantsWhile your furry family member is recovering from kennel cough, you should keep him away from smoke and other irritants. If these chemicals get into your dog's airways, they can aggravate the cough. If you are a smoker, you should smoke far away from your dog. If you want to clean your house, you should put your dog in a separate room until you are done. Households cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that may make your dog's cough worse. Give Your Dog a Steam TreatmentExposing your dog to steam can loosen up the gunk in his throat, relieving his cough. When it is time for you to take a shower, let your dog sit in the bathroom with you. Leave him in the bathroom for about 30 minutes. The steam might make your dog hot, so have a bowl of water in the bathroom for him to drink. Encourage Your Dog to RestAdequate rest is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest. Give Your Dog a Cough SuppressantIf your dog is coughing up a storm, you may consider giving him a cough suppressant such as Robitussin. This medicine is only intended to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian's approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog. If you follow these tips, you can help your dog recover from kennel cough and become healthy again. However, if your dog's cough isn't going away, you should take him to an animal hospital. A veterinarianwill examine your dog's condition and may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the cough. Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), is a collection of diseases that includes pathogens like bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, herpesvirus, adenovirus and mycoplasma.
It’s associated with close-contact situations such as grooming facilities, animal shelters, competitions and parks. Transmission occurs via droplets released when dogs sneeze or cough, dog-to-dog contact and through contaminated items (door handles, food and water bowls). Typically, the incubation period lasts 2-10 days. Normally, diagnosis is made with a physical exam and a history of exposure. While tests can identify each possible pathogen, unless something serious is suspected (such as distemper), a specific diagnosis is usually not pursued. Most cases of kennel cough are caused by viral illnesses, so antibiotics are not warranted. However, in cases where the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, such as shelter situations, antibiotics may be prescribed. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline. In cases where the coughing prevents rest, anti-tussives — such as hydrocodone, butorphanol or codeine — may be prescribed. Anti-inflammatories such as steroids and non-steroidals have been used in the past, but they do not shorten the course of disease, so their usage provides questionable benefit. Usually the dog will recover within two weeks. In severe cases, however, pneumonia can develop and possibly become severe. Symptoms include labored breathing, a moist cough, high fever and nasal discharge. If pneumonia develops, more aggressive treatment is needed. This can sometimes include hospitalization for IV-provided antibiotics, oxygen therapy and fluids. Vaccination is critical for prevention, and the vaccines are safe for puppies. Much like the flu virus in humans, a vaccine doesn’t prevent infection. Instead, it can lessen the severity of symptoms (such as the development of pneumonia) and the need for more aggressive, emergency care. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a lifestyle vaccine available for dogs at least 12 weeks old. It is recommended for dogs that board, visit the grooming salon or play at dog parks. Not every dog may need this vaccine, so you should discuss it with your veterinarian. Is there a good home treatment for kennel cough?Steam is the easiest and powerful kennel cough home remedy, since it opens up the bronchial tubes of the dogs and assists them clear extra phlegm from their throat. Simply turn on the hot shower in the bathroom and allow the room to fill with steam. Now, let your pet inhale it for about 15 to 25 minutes. It will ease breathing.
How to treat kennel cough without going to vet?Pawtracks, Straight to Your Inbox.
What medicine can you give Your Dog for kennel cough?Kennel Cough Symptoms and Remedies Guide
How to prevent your dog from getting kennel cough?
Can kennel cough go away on its own?Kennel cough can usually go away on its own – most cases will clear up within three weeks and shouldn't need any treatment at all. If your dog seems otherwise perky and is eating well, you should be able to use home remedies to make your dog more comfortable.
What happens if kennel cough is left untreated?The infection is mild in most dogs, but some may develop pneumonia. Puppies and dogs of any age with compromised immune symptoms are more likely to develop pneumonia. In severe cases, kennel cough can cause death.
Should kennel cough be treated right away?Kennel cough can cause mild symptoms in some dogs but can progress to a life-threatening pneumonia in other dogs. This is why it's important to recognize the symptoms of kennel cough and seek treatment immediately.
Do you need to do anything for kennel cough?Typically, mild cases of kennel cough are treated with a week or two of rest, but a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection and cough medication to ease the symptoms.
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