Treating Kennel Cough

Treating kennel cough naturally is the preferred choice of many dog parents since natural remedies are milder and safer. Learn how to use herbs, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements such as vitamins to treat kennel cough.

Kennel cough, medically known as tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella, is an upper respiratory disease in dogs.

Kennel cough is caused by viral (e.g. parainfluenza) or bacterial infection (e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica). It is contagious in dogs.

Fortunately, most cases of canine cough are not serious and the dog will get over the cough in 1 to 2 weeks.

Parainfluenza virus is the most common virus that causes kennel cough in dogs. This virus will cause mild symptoms lasting less than 6 days. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria that causes kennel cough. A dog infected with the bacteria usually shows symptoms 2-14 days after exposure, and the symptoms will last around 10 days.

Kennel cough usually affects stressed young dogs, especially those with a weak immune system. Particularly vulnerable are those dogs cooped up in boarding kennels, pet shops, hospitals, etc. Therefore, if your dog stays home most of the time, it is less likely that she will be affected.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Dogs suffering from mild cases of kennel cough usually remain active and alert, but will show the following signs:

Dry, hacking cough
Gagging or retching at the end of a coughing spell
Sometimes a clear watery discharge from the eyes and nose

In more severe cases, the dog will show additional symptoms such as:

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Treating Kennel Cough

If unfortunately your dog is infected and is developing a cough, it is best to let the condition run its course. However, herbs, essential oils, and vitamins can be used to help your dog feel more comfortable and less stressed out.

For mild cases of kennel cough, consider using the following remedies which are effective in treating kennel cough:

Use this excellent natural product - PetAlive KC-Defense for Pet's Kennel Cough and Respiratory Infections to treat the cough and infection. This is an herbal and homeopathic remedy combo that contains the herb Plaintain (Plantago lanceolata) which is well known for treating dry coughs. It is also an effective expectorant and it helps to expel mucus build up in the lungs. Echinacea is also one of the ingredients in the combo. Echinacea is well known for its immune support function. The combo also contains various homeopathic remedies effective for treating kennel cough, clearing mucus from the chest, treating asthma, bronchitis and even pneumonia which may result from secondary infection.
In addition to the above, also use vitamins to accelerate recovery. In particular, vitamin C which is antiviral and vitamin E which supports the immune system are effective in treating kennel cough.
Finally, use essential oils to help your dog relax and breathe easier. Essential oils of lavender, eucalytus, and tea tree are antibacterial and antiviral. Chamomile essential oil has a calming effect. Use them in a vaporizer or diffuser in the room where you dog rests.

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Treating Kennel Cough - Prevention

Dogs that have weak immune systems are more likely to get infectious respiratory disease such as kennel cough. It follows that preventive measure should be taken to strengthen our dogs' immune systems so that they are less susceptible to infectious diseases.

Some herbs are effective in strengthening the immune system. They include:

Garlic

Garlic is antibacterial and antiviral, and is an immune-system booster. Fresh chopped garlic can be fed to your dog to boost his immune system.

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most effective herbs in enhancing the immune system. Use it in a tea, tincture, or capsule.

Astragalus

Astragalus is also good for enhancing the immune system. It also helps strengthen the lungs and stimulates the regeneration of bronchial cells.

A great natural product to boost your dog's immune system is Only Natural Pet Echinacea Herbal Formula.

This formula contains echinacea, which is known for its immune-stimulating properties. In addition, red clover is added so that it may act as an alterative and liver cleanser. It also contains Rosehips which is rich in vitamin C. This formula is excellent in helping the body to fight infections by strengthening its immune system.

R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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Information on this site is for educational purpose only.
It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian.
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