Kennel Cough

WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH

While you will not know for sure what the exact cause of your dog’s or cat’s kennel cough is, it is most usually the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica in conjunction with one of a variety of viruses including canine distemper virus, parainfluenza virus, canine reovirus, canine adenovirus or the canine herpes virus. Because most cases of kennel cough involve the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, it is commonly referred to as Bordetella. Regardless of the cause, kennel cough is highly contagious and affects the trachea so a minor throat irritation can lead to a hacking cough and make your pet miserable. Your dog will most likely be infected when they are around groups of other pets which may have kennel cough or still be infected. In most cases, symptoms will present within three days of infection and will persist for ten to twenty days. While all breeds and ages of dogs can be infected, as with human influenza and cold viruses, older and younger pets as well as those with other medical problems will be more susceptible. Rarely is a case of kennel cough fatal. Many of the home remedies are plain old fashioned common sense. They are things that you would do if you have a cold or the flu. Steam treatments or herbal botanical aromatherapy can help ease your pet’s symptoms while they recover.

Symptoms of kennel cough are a dry hacking cough, being winded after exercise, snorting or retching, sneezing, runny nose and eye discharge. Their symptoms will be very similar to what humans experience when they have a cold. Be on the look out for these symptoms after your dog has been around a group of other dogs

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PREVENTION

The best cure for kennel cough is to do all that you can to reduce the risk of your dog becoming infected. With pets as well as humans “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

• Make sure your pet has clean dry bedding. If you have extra bedding it is easier to change out and clean if they do become sick.
• If you have multiple pets, isolate the sick pet from the others to prevent spreading the kennel cough to your other pets.
• Keep their kennel or bed area out of drafts and away from moisture.
• Make sure your pet is going outside to go to the bathroom and not lying in urine or feces. Be sure to quickly clean up any accidents in their bedding area.
• Make sure that your pet has access to fresh food and water.

The healthier your pet is the stronger their immune system will be and better able to fight off viruses and bacteria.

STEAM TREATMENTS

Just as a good old fashioned steam bath helps humans, it can also help your pet when they are suffering from kennel cough. Run hot water in your shower with the door closed until the bathroom is filled with steam. Bring your pet in and let them breath the steamy air for about 20 minutes. Do this 2 – 3 times each day making sure to dry them off well when you are done. You can also place a vaporizer or humidifier in their area so they can breath the moist air. This helps open up their open up their bronchial tubes and thin the mucous so that they can cough it up more easily.

HOMEOPATHIC BOTANICALS

There are a wide variety of botanicals available that can help ease your pet’s symptoms. Two of the most common ones used for colds and coughs are Bryonia C6 and Echinacea Purpurea. Bryonia C6 moisturizes mucous membranes while helping to clear the respiratory system of accumulated mucous. Echinacea Purpurea helps your pet’s body combat flu and colds by strengthening their immune system. The use of Echinacea can give your pet’s immune system a boost at any time, helping them to fight off bacteria and viruses which will keep them from becoming sick. Plantago Lanceolata is another commonly used homeopathic botanical that acts as an expectorant. This helps your pet eliminate built up mucous when they cough. It also works to hinder mucous production which eases bronchial tube inflammation. When using botanicals or other aromatherapy remedies, be sure to monitor your pet’s reaction. Sometimes dogs can have allergic reactions to flowers and the essential oils used for aromatherapy. If you notice a reaction, discontinue using and contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

There are several homeopathic remedies that are also available for your pet. Among these are KC Defense, Respo-K and Primalix KC.

KC Defense is a homeopathic formula that contains both Echinacea Purpurea and Bryonia C6 as well as other ingredients to relieve kennel cough symptoms. KC Defense provides respiratory system protection, promotes easy breathing and strengthens your pet’s immune system. KC Defense can be used before taking your pet to the veterinarian, the kennel or anywhere else they may come into contact with other pets.

Respo-K, like KC Defense, is a 100% homeopathic formula that promotes better respiratory function. It helps prevent and relieve cold and respiratory infection symptoms like watery eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing and development of secondary infections.

Primalix KC contains:

• Echinacea Purpurea to help fight both viral and bacterial infections, especially upper respiratory infections like infectious canine tracheobronchitis and kennel cough.
• Coltsfoot flower is an expectorant to help loosen and eliminate excess mucous while also providing an antispasmodic action. It has been used for centuries to relieve dry, racking coughs as well as chronic or acute bronchitis.
• Marshmallow to reduce inflamed and irritated mucous membranes.
• Mullein flower is an anti-inflammatory with soothing properties that helps increase fluid production making it easier for your pet to cough up any excess mucous.

As with any medication, be sure to follow the instructions for the best possible results. While using home remedies of any kind, you need to monitor your pet’s response to the treatments. Normally a dog with kennel cough will not lose their appetite or energy level. If your pet loses interest in food and/or activity,  you should consider taking them to see your family veterinarian. These additional symptoms could indicate that they are developing a secondary infection of other complications that may require medical treatment by your vet. If your pet is taking any other medications, you should also consult with your veterinarian before adding any over the counter treatments to avoid any potential negative interaction.

We all love our dogs and don’t want them to get sick. They provide us with companionship, protection and for many they become much like a child, so when they become sick we will fuss and worry over them as with a small child. While most dogs are likely to get kennel cough at sometime during their life, especially if they spend time around other dogs, there are many home treatments and preventative steps at your disposal to insure that they recover quickly with a minimal amount of discomfort.