Kennel cough, often referred to as tracheobronchitis in medical terminology, describes a condition in which a dog constantly coughs at night, has a runny nose and eyes, and finds it hard to eat. This article about home treatments for kennel cough should be read if your dog has the illness and you are concerned about his health. It is a wise idea to first gain a better comprehension of this type of illness so that you may pick the most suitable at-home treatments for your pets.
What is kennel cough?
One of the most typical colds that pets can contract is kennel cough. Kennel cough is often referred to as Bordetella since it is brought on by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica M. This type of illness is widespread around the world. Each dog has a chance of contracting kennel cough at least once during his lifetime.
How can kennel cough be transmitted?
- Through the air – The air is contaminated with bacteria and viruses when a dog has a kennel cough. Other canines can inhale the viruses and bacteria that are spread in the air.
- Exposed to contaminated objects – A dog may contract kennel cough if they come into contact with contaminated materials. Another dog is likely to contract kennel cough if a dog with the disease uses the same bowl to drink or eat in.
- Exposed to infected dogs – Direct contact with infected dogs may increase the chance of healthy dogs developing the illness since kennel cough is carried through the air.
Symptoms of kennel cough:
- A dry, hard cough, especially at night
- Runny nose and eyes
- Nasal discharge,
- Mucous vomiting
- Lethargic behavior.
- A lack or loss of appetite
- Fever
- Activity is challenging
Home treatments for kennel cough:
- Honey – Using honey is one of the natural treatments for kennel cough in dogs. Because honey has antibacterial properties, we cannot question how successful it is at fighting infection-causing bacteria.
Additionally, honey helps reduce nasal discharge in canines and boosts their immune systems, which helps them to fight off infections.
- Lemon – Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps the dog’s immune system function more effectively.
- Chicken soup – If your dog also has a cold, it will be helpful. Chicken soup aids your dog’s immune system to function better and reduces the painful symptoms of a sore throat.
- Coconut oil – Due to its antibacterial properties, coconut oil, has recently gained recognition as a remarkable and efficient treatment for kennel cough.
- Steam – One of the simplest and most efficient natural treatments for kennel cough may be steam. Your dog’s throat can benefit from steam to get rid of mucus. Your dog will breathe easier and feel better over time if they inhale the steam.
- Healthy food – To treat the illness and strengthen immunity, vitamins C and E are needed. Thus, it is a good idea to provide your dog with nutritious foods like citrus fruits, pineapples, broccoli, flax seeds, poultry, fish, eggs, etc., that are high in vitamin C and vitamin E.
Do’s and dont’s for pets with kennel cough:
- Keep your sick dog away from your kids and other pets that are healthy.
- Maintain a fresh and clean environment at all times.
- Clean your pet’s water and food dishes on a daily basis.
- Give your pet as much access to clean water as possible.
- Having a moderate level of activity will allow your pet to rest and recover more quickly.
- While your pet has a kennel cough, refrain from smoking in the house.
- Spraying toxic cleaners could worsen your dog’s condition, so avoid doing this.
Home Treatments for Kennel Cough: Honey, Lemon, Chicken Soup, and More?
Kennel cough is a common respiratory illness that affects dogs worldwide, caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. This illness is highly contagious and can easily spread from one dog to another through the air, contact with contaminated objects, and exposure to infected dogs. If your dog has kennel cough, it’s important to understand the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment to alleviate their discomfort.
While veterinary care is the best option for treating kennel cough, there are several natural remedies that you can use at home to alleviate your dog’s symptoms. Honey, for instance, has antibacterial properties that can help fight infection and reduce nasal discharge. On the other hand, Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, while chicken soup can help soothe a sore throat and boost the immune system. Coconut oil, due to its antibacterial properties, is another excellent treatment option for kennel cough.
Apart from natural remedies, you should follow several dos and dont’s that you should follow when caring for a dog with kennel cough. These include keeping your sick dog away from healthy pets and kids, maintaining a clean environment, cleaning your pet’s water and food dishes regularly, and giving your dog access to clean water. Avoid smoking in the house and spray toxic cleaners that can worsen your pet’s condition.
While kennel cough can be uncomfortable for your pet, it can be treated with proper veterinary care and natural remedies.