Before I tell you How To Get Rid Of Kennel Cough first you need to make sure that you dog has kennel cough and not some other problem. So first we will cover what is kennel cough, then kennel cough symptoms, and then finally how to get rid of kennel cough if you think your dog has it.
What Is Kennel Cough
Kennel cough affects both young dogs and old dogs alike, and can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection in your dog. It is highly contagious, and can spread quickly between dogs. So if you have more than one canine in the house you need to keep a close eye on your other dogs to make sure that they aren’t showing signs of having kennel cough.
Inflammation of the upper respiratory system is how kennel couch is described by veterinarians. Here are some of the bacterial and viral infections that can cause kennel cough.
Bacterial Infections
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
Viral Infections
- Canine Adenovirus
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parainfluenza Virus
- Canine Respiratory Coronavirus
Canine kennel cough in dogs can be transmitted through the air to other dogs just by an infected dog coughing or sneezing. Another way that this highly contagious disease can spread is by an uninfected dog coming into contact with an infected dog or a contaminated surface. Kennel cough in dogs is highly contagious several days and sometimes even weeks after the dogs symptoms disappear.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
Coughing - Coughing is probably the most obvious of the kennel cough symptoms. Usually the cough is a dry hacking cough or in some dogs it sounds more like a honking noise like they are trying to throw something up.
Foamy Liquid and Phlegm - If you dog is coughing up a foamy liquid and phlegm it can be a sign that they have this disease. Also if they seem to be throwing up their food and water quite often can be another sign.
Sickness – If your dog not acting it’s normal self but is acting run down and sick along with any of the above kennel cough symptoms then it is probably a pretty good chance that they have this disease.
What Does Kennel Cough Sound Like
I found this short video of a little dog that you can watch for those of you who were wondering what does kennel cough sound like?
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last
Usually it only lasts about 10 to 20 days with treatment, but it can come back at a later time if your dog is put in a stressful situation or if it’s immune system is weakened by other illnesses.
How To Get Rid Of Kennel Cough
OK, so now that we know what are the symptoms of kennel cough as well as what it sounds like it is time to treat your canine companion. I always recommend taking your pet to your local veterinarian and have them checked out, but you can find a kennel cough home remedy available for purchase on Amazon if you look.
Often times this disease is caused by a more serious and sometimes even deadly problem. That is why I always recommend taking your dog to the veterinarian before trying any home remedies or treatments to cure your pet. Here are a few different ways of how to get rid of kennel cough.
Kennel Cough Vaccine - Bordetella vaccine can be given to you dog as either an inhalant or as a shot by your local veterinarian. Although this kennel cough vaccine is usually recommended by a lot of veterinarians it does not always work, and has been even known to cause the cough. If your dog is however around other dogs a lot such as at the local dog park, doggy day care, or even dog shows then getting the Bordetella kennel cough vaccine is probably worth the risk because it does work most of the time.
Antibiotics - Your veterinarian will sometimes prescribe one of several liquid or pill antibiotics to fight your pets kennel cough. This prescription is based on your dogs age and weight, as well as the symptoms of your dog.
Cough Suppressants – Cough suppressants for dogs are just like taking cough medicine for when you are sick. They help sooth your dogs through as well as relieve their constant coughing. Honey can also be used as a cough suppressant if it is late at night or if you are looking for a home kennel cough treatment.
Like I said earlier it is always best to take your pet to a veterinarian and have them properly checked out and treated before trying any kennel cough treatments. I hope this article has given you a better understanding of this canine problem as well as how to get rid of kennel cough in dogs.