The Best Home Treatment For Kennel Cough
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a respiratory disease that affects dogs. It's caused by a virus or bacteria and is highly contagious. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, and sometimes a runny nose. The disease can be spread from one dog to another through contact, shared toys and water bowls, or through the air.
How to Spot Kennel Cough
If your dog has been exposed to another dog with kennel cough, you may notice a dry hacking cough and sneezing. Your dog may also have a runny nose and may seem lethargic. In severe cases, your dog may have trouble breathing and may have a fever.
What Causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral causes include parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, and canine distemper virus. Bacterial causes include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma species. These bacteria and viruses can be spread through contact with other dogs, shared toys and water bowls, or through the air.
Treatment Options for Kennel Cough
The best treatment for kennel cough is prevention. Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations and avoid contact with other dogs, especially those known to have kennel cough. If your dog does get kennel cough, the best way to treat it is to provide supportive care at home. This includes providing plenty of rest and lots of fluids, as well as using a humidifier to help loosen up mucus.
Home Remedies for Kennel Cough
There are a number of home remedies you can try to help treat kennel cough. These include honey, lemon juice, and ginger tea. Honey is great for soothing a sore throat and can help reduce inflammation. Lemon juice is also great for soothing a sore throat and can help reduce mucus production. Ginger tea is great for helping to reduce inflammation and can also help reduce mucus production.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Kennel Cough
In addition to home remedies, there are also over-the-counter medications that can help treat kennel cough. These include cough suppressants, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory medications. It's important to speak to your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best treatment option for your dog.
When to See the Vet
If your dog has kennel cough, it's important to monitor them closely and contact your vet if their symptoms worsen. If your dog has difficulty breathing, is lethargic, or has a fever, it's important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat their kennel cough.