Monday, November 25, 2013

Treat Kennel Cough

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 easily transmitted. Here are a few ways to treat your dog should he come in contact with kennel cough.


Instructions


1. Use a humidifier to help your dog breathe easier. It's important to keep moisture in the air to soothe your dog's irritated throat and air passages. A dog with kennel cough is suffering from an irritated airway. Moisture can help relieve that irritation.


2. Isolate your pet. If you have more than one dog you should keep them separated if one dog has kennel cough so the other dog does not become ill as well.


3. Give your dog a vitamin supplement to boost his immunity. Dogs with a strong, healthy immune system are more likely to recover from kennel cough quickly. Dogs with low or impaired immunity may have difficulty fighting the infection therefore suffering from a more severe case of the condition which may last longer.


4. Fight it with honey. Give your dog a tsp. of honey once or twice daily. Give large dogs a tbsp. Many pets enjoy the sweet taste of honey and honey is well-known for its medicinal properties. In the event that your dog won't take the honey straight mix it with his water or food.


5. Avoid smoking around your pet. We all know that smoking isn't good for us and it's not good for your pets either. A dog with kennel cough certainly does not need to be breathing in second-hand smoke. His airway is irritated enough. Give your dog a break and don't smoke.


6. Take your dog out for a walk in the early evening. The evening air will help to open his airway and help him breathe easier. Keep him close to home and away from other dogs so that the contagion does not spread.


7. Practice prevention. It is true that prevention is always the best medicine. There are vaccines that can prevent kennel cough so make an appointment with your veterinarian and get your dog vaccinated. You can also take other precautions as well such as having a friend dog sit when you're away rather than boarding your dog at a kennel. It should be mentioned though that most kennels now require dogs to be vaccinated before boarding.


8. Monitor your dog's condition. Although kennel cough often clears up on its own, in some cases it could get worse. The bronchitis could end up turning into pneumonia. If your pet shows symptoms of fever, wheezing or loss of appetite contact your veterinarian. Your dog needs proper diagnosis and medical treatment. Get your dog checked by a veterinarian to make sure his cough has not progressed into a more serious condition.



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