In many cases, a dog's cough can be treated at home.
The cause of a dog's cough can be anything from a hairball to environmental irritants to serious health issues. Treating the cause of the cough will help the dog recover, but owners need to watch their pet's behavior. If attempts to treat the cough are unsuccessful or, the dog becomes lethargic, runs a fever and loses its appetite, take the dog to a veterinarian to be diagnosed and treated.
Instructions
1. Check the dog's collar and leash. If either is tight, it may irritate an already sore throat and make the coughing worse. Consider switching to a chest harness until the cough clears.
2. Provide relief for throat irritation. One quick fix is to spread honey on bread. This may also entice a dog to eat if he's lost his appetite.Expose the dog to steam. Use a humidifier or vaporizer. If neither is available, sit with the dog in the bathroom while running a hot shower for 15 minutes. Keep the door shut to prevent the steam from escaping.
3. Consult the vet for appropriate medications. There are some over-the-counter drugs that can be used for dogs. A small amount of vapor rub can help a congested dog.Rub a small dab on the dog's chest and make sure the dog doesn't lick the vapor rub.
4. Watch for warning signs that the dog needs to see a vet immediately. If it has trouble breathing, has a swollen abdomen or develops a honking cough, take the dog to a vet. The first three symptoms can be a sign of heart disease, and the last symptom may indicate a collapsing trachea.
5. Keep a log of circumstances or places where the dog starts coughing. A pattern may emerge that helps pinpoint the cause. Eliminating the source of the cough without a visit to the vet will save money.
Related posts
Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection called canine infectious tracheobronchitis or Bordetella. It is contracted by dogs. Many will get kennel cough during the course of their lives and i...
Some cough medicine can be used to treat dogs with a cough.Kennel cough is an ailment that can easily be passed from one dog to another. It gets its name from being highly communicable in close qu...
Kennel cough is a form of bronchitis that can easily be passed among dogs. Kennel cough gets its name because dogs in kennels often come down with the condition since it is highly contagious and e...
Mucus congestion may be a sign of serious illness in dogs.As with humans, dogs can suffer from cold-like symptoms and allergies, and these are the most common causes of mucus congestion. However,...
Pet CatCat cough is a worrisome ailment that can affect cats of any age. Fur balls, allergies or bacterial infections can cause the cough. The cough is a reflex action to an irritant in the cat's...
