Cough treatment may seem like the best remedy if your dog exhibits cold-like symptoms or a cough. However, a lot of the components in cough treatment can be harmful to your dog. Yes, there are some “dog-friendly” solutions that veterinarians could recommend, but even these can be dangerous if not administered to the letter. So always follow the vet’s instructions. And this is where natural solutions come to aid us with our furry babies.
Despite the fact that many pet owners can notice, or more precisely, hear a case of kennel cough from a mile away, treating the illness is a different matter. It is vital to keep in mind that while there are a number of secure at-home treatments you may use to treat kennel cough, these should never take the place of veterinary care.
Numerous viruses can make dogs cough and exhibit symptoms similar to the common cold, just like they can in people. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that your dog may not actually have a cold if they only exhibit cold-like symptoms.
What is Kennel Cough and what causes it?
A healthy dog can contract kennel cough by breathing in aerosolized germs or viruses from an infected dog, according to Sara Bledsoe, DVM, CVA, CHPV’s article “Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatments” (30 JUNE 2020).
Bledsoe claims that diseased dogs can spread the germs and/or virus to other dogs by sneezing or coughing, and infected objects (such as toys and food and water bowls) can also cause infection in dogs.
This highly contagious respiratory condition known as kennel cough in dogs is also referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or infectious tracheobronchitis. A dry, hacking cough is the outcome of an infected bronchitis that inflames the trachea and bronchioles. There are instances when your dog will cough as though they have something in their throat, says Bledsoe.
Bordatella bronchiseptica bacterium, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, mycoplasma, and many more bacteria and viruses are just a few of the microorganisms that can cause kennel cough. According to Bledsoe, it usually spreads when a healthy dog comes into contact with an infected dog’s respiratory secretions.
Three to four days after being exposed, dogs can acquire kennel cough, says Bledsoe. Dogs are often at risk for contracting kennel cough when they are in crowded places with inadequate airflow and warm, damp air, such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog day care centers, grooming salons, and even dog parks.
What are the symptoms?
In some dogs, the symptoms of kennel cough may be moderate, but in others, the condition may worsen and turn into potentially fatal pneumonia. Because of this, it is crucial to identify the kennel cough symptoms and seek medical attention right away.
Bledsoe tells us of some of the signs and symptoms of kennel cough: a protracted dry cough at night that keeps both you and your dog awake; white foam is produced when your dog retches, and they have tracheal sensitivity, it causes them to cough when you gently press on their trachea.
Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and hard breathing are among the worst symptoms, according to Bledsoe.
How is Kennel Cough treated?
The severity of the kennel cough and your dog will determine the course of treatment. In the event that your dog has kennel cough or is recovering, avoid using a collar and leash. Bledsoe advises switching from collars with leashes to harnesses for walks since collars with leashes put more strain on the trachea, which causes coughing.
According to Bledsoe, supportive care, which emphasizes rest, feeding, and hydration, may be the only form of treatment for mild cases of kennel cough.
The frequency of the coughing in your dog may be decreased by the veterinarian prescribing a cough suppressor.
A dog suffering from a mild case of kennel cough should be able to recover in one to two weeks. Some canines can heal entirely on their own, with no medical intervention necessary.
The natural remedies you can do at home
Bledsoe suggests the following natural treatments:
1. You can put 1/2 to 1 spoonful of honey and some warm water in a bowl and offer it to your dog. Depending on how often your dog coughs, this can be given up to three times per day.
2. While your dog is sleeping, a tiny humidifier can be placed nearby. Your dog’s respiratory tract discomfort may be lessened by the humidifier’s ability to moisten the air that your dog breathes.
3. Allow your dog to remain in the enclosed bathroom with you while you take a hot shower or bath, but not in the water itself. In addition to offering steam treatment, a hot shower can help soothe discomfort.
4. Dimethylglycine (DMG), a holistic antioxidant for dogs, can be utilized to strengthen and modify the immune system to assist the dog fight the infection more quickly.
5. For your dog to fully recover from kennel cough, rest is crucial. While your dog is recovering from kennel cough, try to cut back on their daily exercise; this can aid in healing and lessen coughing fits.
There are numerous natural substitute treatments. Additionally, they not only assist in symptom management but also infection prevention. Try one of these natural alternatives the next time you want to use cough medicine. You won’t have to worry about them making your dog sicker because they will make him feel better.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She is a solo parent for 15 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
