Treatment for Kennel Cough

Most people have heard of Kennel Cough, but few are aware of exactly what it is. Kennel cough can be extremely distressing for both dog and owner and correct identification of the illness is important. Whilst kennel cough is in itself rarely fatal, it can lead to serious illnesses such as bronchopneumonia.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious condition that can remain contagious days or even weeks after symptoms have disappeared. Kennel Cough is casued by a combination of bacteria and infectious viruses that can spread rapidly between dogs either by direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. This rapid spreading of the disease through close contact is how kennel cough got its name.

 Symptoms normally include a 'hacking' cough that sounds much like a bark and often continues to the point where it sounds as though your dog may vomit. This hacking is very uncomfortable for your dog and puts its body under a lot of strain if it remains untreated. The production of phlegm with this cough is common, a sure sign that the throat is irritated. This irritation is often the cause for a dog with kennel cough to vomit during or immediately after eating or drinking. Other common signs of a dog suffering with kennel cough can be a runny nose, loss of appetite and redness around the eyes.

 There are four key areas in treating kennel cough and preventing its return. If your dog is presenting any of the symptoms above then you should seek immediate consultation with your vet.

Kennel Cough Vaccine

Dogs that spends a lot of time with other dogs such as frequent kennel users or gun dogs amy well benefit from the kennel cough vaccine. Understand that the kennel cough vaccine does not give 100% protection.

Stop the cough

Coughing is both the cause of transfer and causes the dog great discomfort so it makes sense to use cough suppressants. Cough suppressants can be particularly useful to enable your dog to rest and sleep at night. Relief from the coughing can definitely boost kennel cough recovery times but cough suppressants should not be used indefinitely.

Anti inflammatories

Kennel cough and the accompanying throat irritation can lead to swelling in the airways.  Your vet may decide that such swelling is best relieved with a course of anti inflamatory drugs to help them breathe more easily.

Antibiotics

Fundamentally for kennel cough to be cured a course of antibiotics may well be needed to treat the bacteria that are the cause of the problem. your vet will prescribe the appropriate type and dosage of antibiotic for your dogs needs.

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 Understanding the classic triggers of kennel cough can be key to helping prevent your dog from suffering the discomfort and paying for expensive vet visits. Recognise likely sources of contamination and learn the symptoms of kennel cough so treatment can begin early. Mixing with other dogs in kennels is a common cause and if your dog spends time there, you should be particularly alert for early signs. Poorly ventilated kennels and cold humid conditions can both trigger the illness and stressful situations can easily trigger a relapse.

Its important to recognise that helping your dog to maintain a healthy immune system through an appropriate diet is the best way to help both prevent and cure kennel cough. Your vet can give you good advice on maintaining a balanced diet and give you advice about additives such as garlic pills to boost their immunity.