Canine Kennel Cough Treatment

Cause of Kennel Cough

The cause of Kennel Cough is an airborne virus or bacteria and is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs. Usually several types of virus or bacteria need to be breathed in by the dog to get a case of kennel cough. Kennel cough is most commonly caused by a bacteria called bordatella bronchiseptica.

The disease effects the lining of the trachea causing minor irritation. Dog�s with Kennel cough tend to cough every couple of minutes throughout the day.

The disease is usually contracted where large groups of dogs are together such as a dog show or kennel.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

A kennel cough is a very distinct cough and sounds like your dog is clearing its throat. A dog with Kennel Cough will tend to cough when engaged in activity or exercise.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough usually appear several weeks after exposure.

To diagnosis Kennel Cough a Veterinarian will rub the larynx and see if that causes the dog to cough. If your dog expels mucus when coughing, more tests such as an x-ray will be done to see if the cough resulted in the development of pneumonia or distemper.

If the cough is severe, your dog will cough for extended periods of time and may throw up food or mucus. The color of the mucus ranges from white to green (green means more serious). If this is the case see a Veterinarian immediately.

An antibiotic may be prescribed to avoid any secondary infections. A new antibiotic, azithromycin, is being prescribed for its ability to treat tracheabronchitis, another name for Kennel cough.

Minor to moderate forms of Kennel Cough usually go away with no treatment. If the cough lasts longer than 7 - 10 days, then you should have your dog evaluated for other airway or lung diseases, although the disease could last as long as 21 days.

If the dog has a good appetite and is otherwise normal, no antibiotics will be used and the disease will just run its course.

Home Treatment For Kennel Cough

The best defense against Kennel cough is to make sure your dog has a strong immune system. Here homeopathic remedies available online such as PetAlive KC-Defense Formula to naturally treat and immunize Your Dog against acute Kennel Cough and other respiratory infections is a good choice to try.

There are several homeopathic ingredients that have a reputation for helping with canine kennel cough treatment. These remedies reduce mucus and in turn the cough. This includes Plantago lanceolata (herbal remedy that expels mucus) and Bryonia C6 (clears mucus and for dry membranes).

If your dog already has Kennel Cough and if the cough is frequent and interferes with the dog or family's sleep, then giving your dog a cough suppressant makes sense.

For additional Home Canine Kennel Cough Treatment see the section below on recommendations for puppies.

Puppy Kennel Cough

There are several home approaches for puppy canine kennel cough treatment that can be tried for a puppy (or adult for that matter).

1) One home treatment for a puppy with kennel cough is to try Pediatric Robitussin 4x per day. This approach has been used for dogs as young as two. If your puppy does not respond, antibiotics are called for. Check the label to make sure the medicine does not contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen since these can cause liver damage. Ask your veterinarian for the correct dose (no more than 1/2 teaspoon to avoid overdose).

2) Put puppy in the bathroom for 20 minutes and vaporize with Vicks 2x a day. Do this for 4 to 5 days. If you see green mucus after 3 days, return to the Veterinarian.

Kennel Cough Vaccine

While an important part of Canine Kennel Cough treatment, vaccinations are not 100% effective. It is usually recommended for show dogs or dogs that are frequently in a kennel. After having the disease, some dogs become resistant to future occurrences.

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