Posted by Holistic Pet Info on 11/18/2019 to General Topics

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a disease that attack's your dog's upper respiratory system. Dogs can contract kennel cough both through a bacterial or viral infection. They pick it up through close contact with other dogs who have the disease. Symptoms can appear as early as 3-to-5 days after exposure.

Kennel Cough stems from both viral and bacterial infections:

  • Canine Distemper
  • Canine Adenovirus
  • Canine Parainfluenza
  • Canine Respiratory Coronavirus

    • Bacterial causes include Bordetella Bantiseptically. If untreated, Bordetella Kennel Cough can quickly progress to pneumonia.

    Kennel Cough Symptoms

    The symptoms of kennel cough are readily apparent. If your dog has Kennel Cough, it will suffer from:

  • Dry, hacking cough
  • Wheezing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Spitting up mucous

    • Conventional Treatment

    As aggressive as Kennel Cough is, it is rarely fatal. Most cases can be controlled in 10-12 days. Vets usually prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants. Prevention includes vaccination and clean cages and kennels.

    Natural treatments for Kennel Cough in Dogs

    Natural remedies for Kennel Cough have risen in popularity in recent years due in part to pet owner's concerns about the affects that conventional vaccines (and antibiotics) have on the immune system. Herbs such as Plantago Lanceolate have been used to treat dry coughs in dogs and homeopathic remedies such as Magnesium Phosphate is effective as an antispasmodic. Kalium Sulphate is often called the "natural antibiotic" and is used to treat infections.