The kennel cough is an infectious disease also known as tracheobronchitis that may affect puppies as well as adult dogs. In fact, puppies are more exposed to the disease, as they have a weaker immune system and they will also develop more serious symptoms and may require special treatment. The treatment for kennel cough in puppies will focus on reducing the symptoms that may range from inflammation of the upper respiratory system and coughing to dehydration and lethargy.
The Kennel Cough in Puppies
The kennel cough may be caused by a number of viruses including the canine adenovirus, the parainfluenza virus or the coronavirus. The infection may also have bacterial roots; Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that often causes the kennel cough in puppies.
Even if there is a kennel cough vaccine that can be administered in puppies as young as 4 or 6 weeks, this vaccine is not fully effective. Some puppies can contract the disease before they get vaccinated.
The disease may also be contracted when the puppy is stressed; the stress can be caused by the transition from a home to another.
The kennel cough in puppies can be easily diagnosed by pressing on the puppy’s trachea, which will result in coughing.
In most cases, the kennel cough can be successfully treated in puppies, but the disease needs to be detected and the puppy requires special care
Kennel Cough Treatment for Puppies
If you suspect your puppy might have the kennel cough you should consult the vet. The puppy will show symptoms such as dry cough, breathing difficulties, lethargy or refusal to eat which can result in weight loss.
Even if adult dogs don’t necessarily require treatment, as the cough will clear away without any intervention, puppies need medication and care, as the disease can be more severe in puppies and complications such as pneumonia may arise.
The treatment may consist of antibiotics and cough suppressants. Home remedies can also be applied.
Antibiotics for Kennel Cough
The antibiotics can be prescribed as soon as the vet detects the cause of the infection. However, some vets prefer not to administer antibiotics for kennel cough; this treatment may be more recommended if the infection advances to pneumonia.
Don’t administer antibiotics to you puppy unless the vet advises it; don’t give human antibiotics to your pet.
Anti Tussives
Anti tussives or cough suppressants are most often the only treatment prescribed for puppies with kennel cough.
Over the counter cough suppressants such as Robitussin or other medications that contain dextromethorphan are effective in reducing the cough. Always check with your vet to get the right dosage for your pet.
Avoid human cough medication and note that acetaminophen (present in Tylenol) is toxic for puppies.
Home Remedies
A puppy affected by the kennel cough should also stay in a humid, warm room, as this may facilitate the healing. Get air humidifiers and you may also give your puppy a steam bath. Give your puppy plenty of water and make sure he avoids exercise, which can make the dog pant excessively.