vetinfo4dogs.com

Natural Treatments for Kennel Cough

Dogs > Respiratory > Natural Treatments for Kennel Cough

also see Puppy Health

also see Dog Flu

also see Puppy Illness

also see Canine Cough

Natural treatments for kennel cough is a growing interest for dog owners. Antibiotics are given to cure kennel cough, but this is known to weaken your dog's immune system possibly causing long term health problems. Because of these problems, more dog owners are turning to natural treatments for preventing and treating kennel cough.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is an extremely contagious upper respiratory infection. It is caused by an airborne infection that is usually passed where there are a large number of dogs, such as animal shelters and boarding kennels. Your dog can develop symptoms such as dry cough, sneezing, hacking and gagging. You may see these symptoms three to seven days after your dog has been infected. There are vaccines that will prevent your dog from getting kennel cough, but studies show that the vaccine can cause damage to the immune system, causing your dog to not fight off illness on it's own.

Natural Treatments

Studies show that these natural herbs are helpful in boosting your dog's immune system. These can be found in health food stores.

Wild Berry Bark - This is a bitter herb that has a cooling effect on the throat. It stops the cough and reduces inflammation. It is found as a tea or a syrup. The recommended dose for dogs are the same as children.
Peppermint - This can be made into a strong tea and given by a medicine dropper. The recommended dose is a few drops every hour until the cough is gone.
Raw Honey - This is used to relieve the pain from coughing. Dissolve the honey in warm water and give with a medicine dropper. The recommended dose is a couple of drops every hour.
Yerba Santa - This is a natural expectorant and decongestant that can be made into a strong tea. This works best when your dog is coughing up mucus. The recommended dose is a few drops into your dogs water dish every hour.

These other remedies have also been proven helpful

Mulethi - Also known as Licorice. This helps relieve pain and cough.
Ginger - This is used as an expectorant. This helps relieve coughing.
Tulsi - Also known as Ocimum Sanctum. This helps relieve fever and cough.
Kasni - Also known as Chicory. It is used as an expectorant and helps relieve sore throat and cough.

Watch your dog closely. If your dog is experiencing kennel cough symptoms and these natural treatments are not helping, then you need to contact your Veterinarian to schedule an appointment. There are other bacterial and viral infections that your dog could have and can only be diagnosed by a Veterinarian.

also see Controlling Dog Sneezing Caused by Respiratory Tract Infections

also see Puppy with Kennel Cough: Prevent the Spread of Infection

also see What Causes My Dog to Cough?

also see Parainfluenza Vaccination