How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs Naturally?

How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs Naturally? That honk is there anything that’s more startling to hear come from your dog’s throat? A lot of times, that hallmark “goose honk” is the sound of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease that really goes gangbusters when dogs come together in such places as boarding kennels, dog parks, and daycare facilities.

Though the name sounds like something out of a horror flick, the great thing is that the majority of our healthy, hearty dogs can overcome kennel cough, and we actually have a plethora of natural, home remedies to assist with their comfort and recover. From your veterinarian (also your friendly SEO genius), we will dive into the facts based on the evidence to find you the best way to beat Kennel Cough Naturally.

What is Kennel Cough?

This is actually what your veterinarian calls infectious tracheobronchitis-it’s your dog’s equivalent to human bronchitis. The infection is a complicated one that’s caused by a mix of both viruses and bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium (and often referred to as kennel cough), is another common culprit; the bacterium teams up with some viruses (such as parainfluenza) to inflame the trachea and the bronchi to induce a cough.

How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs Naturally?

Typical Symptoms

A Dry, Hacky, persistent cough: Described as the “honking cough” Gagging/retching. Most likely the dogs will gag at the end of a coughing bout as well as coughing up some white foam as if trying to make themselves gag. Dry nasal discharge A runny nose normal if it’s mild. Lethargy/decrease appetite more seriously sick Dogs will become inactive and less willing to play or eat.

It is also worth telling the difference between mild and severe coughing. If mild, your dog may still sound disgusting and a bit hoarse, but eating and drinking and functioning as usual. If severe, you’ll probably hear a cough like an old lungers, have fever, be lethargic, and stop eating so need a trip to vet immediately.

The Best Natural Home Remedies for Kennel Cough

Dogs with kennel cough usually get better on their own but are usually quite sick when it’s at its worst and we can definitely help! Here’s some simple, effective, and vet-approved remedies:

1. Soothe the Throat with Honey

Most experts would likely agree that the ultimate natural cough suppressor for children is Honey. The sticky fluid can ease an aggravated throat and its natural ability to kill bacteria and cut down the inflammation associated with coughs makes it an excellent solution.

• How to administer your dog honey: Take a teaspoon and pour some honey on it to feed your dog with, or mix a teaspoon of honey in a small portion of hot water. Most dogs love to lick honey from their mouths directly. How much honey to feed your dog Usually, dogs accept to take ½ to 1 teaspoon two or three times a day, but depending on your dog’s size, he can take up to 1 tablespoon.
• Recommended honey variety: Although Manuka honey has better antibacterial traits, any unprocessed or raw honey will help a lot your dog.
• Do not give any type of honey to your puppy: under one year old; as it could cause health complications.

2. Harness the Power of Steam and Humidity

Similarly, if you’re suffering from a nasty cold, nothing feels better than a steamy shower and can relieve you somewhat. A steaming shower does a number of things to alleviate the symptoms of your dog and can alleviate the irritated symptoms of dog congestion, alleviate cough with dryness and help them breath more freely, while loosening up that yucky mucus.

Use a hot shower Turn your dog’s hot shower on and after filling the shower with hot steam and close all doors and the dog can sit inside for a good amount of 10-15 minutes of time on daily basis or can be a routine a 2 times a day . Alternate you can have the room where your dog sleeps humidifier to set it on when winter season hit it as the weather is mostly too dry .

3. Boost the Immune System with Echinacea

Herbal immune boosters Echinacea echinacea the great all around herb was very successful in clinical trials with 92 percent of 255 dogs infected with viral upper respiratory infection showing improved condition after four weeks with one dose a day Echinacea purpurea. According to a review in the Veterinary Record, one echinacea product was identified as an “effective and safe immunomodulatory dietary support” for upper respiratory infections in dogs. If you consider giving it to your dog, find one that your vet approves – and be sure to follow dosage guidelines – either powder form or tincture.

4. Coconut Oil for Its Antiviral Properties

Coconut Oil: An antiviral, and antibacterial, in a MCT (medium chain fatty acids), coconut oil may be one effective addition to an sick canine who is recovering from a respiratory infection . Dosage : As a general guideline, use 1tsp. Coconut oil per 10 pounds of body weight, divided between servings with each meal. If using coconut oil supplement, begin with 1/2 tsp per day to check toleration, and increase to 1 tsp per 10 pounds of body weight, because in large doses can have a loose stool. Note: consult your veterinarian if your dog has been diagnose with pancreatitis or a gastrointestinal problem.

5. Ensure Rest and Hydration

Possibly the most essential part of all the care procedures at home. Rest permits the immune system to function appropriately and provides you with the strength to expel waste effectively and thinning mucus makes this task less difficult .

• Let them Get Rest: you shouldn’t take walks and playtime of your furry pal to minimize fatigue as the body repairs .
• Make it Drink Adequate Water: always keep fresh and filtered drinking water nearby for your canine companion in all times.
• Low Sodium Chicken: Broth can also serve you as it will convince your dog to consume liquids .

6. Use a Harness Instead of a Collar

The collar presses directly onto the windpipe which can readily make it fit to make them cough. Using a harness is so much easier if you’re worried that they’re ill because pressure is spread over the chest area and across the top of the back making it much less likely to cause an unnecessary gag.

7. Reduce Environmental Irritants

Things like cigarette smoke, scented soaps, strong air fresheners or sprays and even some of your cleaning products can irritate symptoms further. Make sure you air your house often. We also recommend using some organic pet-safe cleaning supplies.

Also Check: Can Parakeets Eat Apples with the Seeds Removed?

Herbal Teas and Extracts

Some Other herbs have also traditionally been used for supporting the respiratory health other than the ones we listed above.

• Wild cherry bark: this herb has been shown to soothe and calm the throat as well as ease Inflammation and Coughing.
• Mullein: This kind herb may also work in clearing mucus from the lungs and reducing Inflammation, as seen in a study.
• Slippery Elm: similar to honey, it coat and soothes. You can brew slippery elm tea then cool it and offer to your dog.
• Use with Caution: Talk to your dog vet before starting any herbals to be certain it is suitable for the condition and safe to give with any medications your vet may already be recommending.

When to See a Vet

They May Help, But Natural Remedies Aren’t a Replacement for Vets Here are some things that warrant a trip to the nearest veterinarian straight away.

• How To Tell If Your Dog Needs To See A Vet: Your furry friend won’t tell you if they’re feeling sick, but you know your pup best and likely can tell if something isn’t quite right. Here are a few key indicators: A Wet, Rattling Cough It’s not out of the ordinary to hear a slight cough from your dog but if it is the type you’d normally hear for pneumonia. Fever Normal dog temperature runs from 100.5F – 102.5F, so any more than that is a fever.
• Lethargic your dog is weak or too tired to walk and doesn’t want to.
• Lack of Interest in Food: Your dog refusing to eat or not interested in a favorite toy in 24 hours or less. Difficult or painful breathing The way your dog breaths if the are to labor breathing, taking many deep or open breath’s your dog must have a hard time breathing. Purulent Nasal Discharge Green and or thick drainage from your dogs nose indicates possible secondary infection that’s it what you do about it . Puppies, senior or compromised individuals Puppies can quickly decline and become quite ill with infections and/or diseases so this warrants prompt attention from the doctor or you or senior dog has a weakened immune system and should be evaluated.

Conclusion

Naturally Treating Kennel Cough The key to treating kennel cough naturally lies in supportive care, giving your dog’s immune system the help it needs. Soothing elements such as honey and steam, immune-boosting supplements like Echinacea, rest, and hydration can make all the difference. But, as always, when you consult with your vet, always inform him/her how you are attempting to help you pet recover, as he or she is ultimately in the best position to assist you pet. Soon enough, you’ll hear that familiar happy yip once more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)