Know About Kennel Cough And Its Remedies

Kennel cough is an infection that is transmitted from a sick dog to a healthy one in animal shelters, kennels and even veterinarians’ offices. It would be wrong to blame the owner as this disease is airborne and is expelled from a contaminated dog’s body to the trachea of the dog in close quarters.

The symptoms of kennel cough occur 3 to 14 days after the virus is passed with its duration being 7 to 21 days. You would find that the dog affected has harsh coughing spells that has them hacking throughout the day. However the playfulness, alertness, or appetite of the dog is not affected. Most infected dogs recover without any medication, though its recovery can be hastened with antibiotics or cough suppressants.

It is to be noted that kennel cough cannot be avoided, but it can be prevented by controlling its environment by limiting, crowding, stress, dust, cigarette smoke exposure, cold temperatures, and poor ventilation. However since it is a localized infection it cannot be prevented completely by vaccination. Measures can be taken to ease the dog's discomfort, by shortening the amount of time the cough lasts.

Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an effective, reasonably priced nutrient that boosts the immune system and provides relief by strengthening the dog’s natural defense system and considerably cutting the amount of time the dog has to contend with kennel cough. Vitamin C or L-ascorbate; 2-3 daily servings of 500mg could be placed in the dog’s food. The dosage depends on the size of the dog and it is best to avoid excesses that cause irritable bowel syndrome by consulting your dog’s vet.  

It is significant to note that a dog with a weak immune system is more likely to get infections like kennel cough; a proactive dog owner should look to strengthen a dog’s immune system well by staying current with supplementation of vitamins and minerals. A very effective antibacterial and antiviral remedy is garlic and it could be served freshly cut. Another viable option is Echinacea; an effective herb that enhances the immune system of the dog; it is available in tasteless and odorless capsules.

It is best to also use environment treatments to contain kennel cough. Firstly isolate your infected dog immediately because the illness becomes aerosolized and reproduces rapidly; perhaps the final word in treating kennel cough is containment.

Next rest is very important as kennel cough is a respiratory infection and distressing the throat and lungs. Disregard the dog’s pleas to exercise as aerobic exercise will exacerbate the illness, setting back the dog‘s recovery.

Next it is necessary to keep the dog warm, comfortable, and dry. Speedy recovery would be helped in a temperature-controlled room. A dog that can breathe easily allows its owner to breathe easily, knowing full well that their pet is on their way to recuperation.

Lastly Coupage therapy is a popular therapy that helps free respiratory secretions; a cupped palm should gently, briskly, and repeatedly tap against the dog's chest. It loosens some of the deeper secretions and helps clear them by moving them into the airways to be expelled from the dog’s body when it coughs. Coupage therapy should be performed 4 times daily during the duration of the cough.

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