Q. Home remedy for kennel cough

ANSWER : A. Kennel Cough is similar to the human cold, and it can be caused by three categories of microorganisms.

1. Bordetella Bronchiseptica: A small bacteria which can result in bronchitis and severe cough in dogs.
2. Canine Adenovirus: A serious and contagious virus.
3. Canine Influenza Virus: An extremely contagious virus causing mild to severe respiratory symptoms in dogs.
Kennel Cough has its own course of 1 to 3 weeks and can be managed medically.

Close environments with several dogs can increase the chance of dogs catching the cough. Kennel Cough vaccination is aimed mostly at preventing the Bordetella infection through an inhalant or injection vaccination. Although not 100% effective, it should be recommended in all dogs that spend time around other dogs, even the park is considered one of these social occasions.

Kennels have their own policy with regards to Kennel Cough vaccinations and should always be contacted well ahead to understand and comply with their requirements before the stay of your dog.
If you suspect that your dog has caught Kennel Cough, you should see your veterinarian. Your dog might benefit from certain medications to speed up his recovery. These might include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cough suppressants at your vet’s discretion.

ANSWER : A. Hacking and coughing can be caused by a number of things ranging from foreign bodies such as twigs stuck in the mouth or throat, to infections or illnesses such as Bordetella or Kennel cough, common in dogs that frequent kennels, dog daycare or dog parks. In older dogs, heart and lung issues can also be indicated by a cough that does not go away.

If you think there may be a foreign object stuck in your dog’s throat, you can sweep a finger gently through the back of the mouth or throat if your dog will let you. If something feels stuck and is not easily moved by the finger, it is best to contact your vet to have the object safely removed. This usually requires sedation so that your dog does not become panicked or move, causing the object to become further stuck or cut the throat.

If your dog is showing other symptoms of illness in addition to the cough such as runny nose or eyes, fever, lethargy or changes in appetite, it may indicate a viral or bacterial illness such as kennel cough. These are usually treated with a cough medication in severe cases, plus rest and treatment of any additional symptoms until the condition improves. In bacterial causes, antibiotics may also be given to help your dog feel better.

If your dog has a constant cough that does not go away, or has had changes in ability to exercise, breathing, or appears to have swelling around the chest or abdomen, in may indicate a lung or heart issue. Your vet can thoroughly examine your dog for any signs of heart or lung problems and can then offer care as needed depending on the cause.

ANSWER : A. Coughing in dogs can be caused by a number of things including allergies, asthma, illness such as Bordetella (kennel cough) or even lung and heart problems.

Allergies and asthma can cause a dog to have a raspy cough, and they may wheeze, sneeze or have running noses or trouble breathing when active or in an area where the allergen is present. Your vet can determine if an allergy or asthma is present and provide medication as needed to help with symptoms.

Bordetella can also cause a deep hacking cough, and is common in dogs that frequent doggy day cares, kennels or dog parks. The causes can be bacterial or viral, and treatment depends on if any secondary symptoms such as fever or dehydration is present. Treatment involves cough suppressants from your vet, or even antibiotics and fluids to treat secondary illnesses. Other illnesses such as heartworm may cause a chronic cough and exercise intolerance and should be looked for if your dog is not already on a heartworm preventive.

Small dogs are also prone to a condition called collapsing tracheas, and Cavaliers are very prone as a breed to heart and lung issues. Collapsing tracheae often cause a gasping or hacking cough when excited or active, and may require treatment if they become problematic. Heart and lung problems such as heart failure or genetic abnormalities can also cause coughing as a sign of the illness. Your vet can perform a complete exam to check the health of the lungs and heart.

ANSWER : A. Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. The incubation period is generally 3- 10 days. Infected dogs shed Bordetella organism for 2-3 months following infection.

Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. Because serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn’t improve within the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions. Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target Bordetella bacteria and cough medicines.

You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing.

ANSWER : A. Not really, he/she needs antibiotics. You can try to nebulize her at home or even run the shower on hot with the door closed to create a steam room, then turn off the water and leave him/her in there for 15 minutes to help clear the mucous out and help him/her breath better. Sometimes it will help but many times it does not clear the problem. You really need antibiotics if it is indeed kennel cough. Are you sure it is not a heart issue causing the cough? Especially being he/she is a little older I would suspect a heart issue causing the cough and not kennel cough. You should really seek vet care somehow.

ANSWER : A. Usually kennel cough will go away within 2 -4 weeks. If his cough is so bad call your veterinarian and ask if he can give you some cough medicine for your dog, that will calm down the coughing. Since he has seen your dog recently he may have you just pick up the medicine, however some vets prefer to recheck your animal.

ANSWER : A. It is very uncommon for dogs, especially two dogs who live together to develop asthma. They can however have asthma-like symptoms and this can be caused by aerosolized irritants (i.e. hairsprays, house detergents, painting supplies, etc).
I would investigate and look for causes of irritation in the home. If they are found remove them and I would recommend placing each pet in a small room with an air purifier/humidifier to help clear the airway for about 30 mins- 1 hr for a couple times a day.

If there are no irritants to speak of, then it sounds like a follow-up visit with the vet is needed to further investigate other possibilities (possible re-check lung sounds and/or chest x-rays) of why your pets are still symptomatic and what appropriate treatment is needed to help them get better.

Also just to note that pets don’t have to be kenneled or sheltered to catch kennel cough, they just need any close contact with other pets (such as pet-stores, dog parts, walks in the neighborhood). Kennel cough is highly contagious and is treated successfully in most cases with antibiotics, I like to use Doxycyline or Clavamox.

ANSWER : A. Depending on his age and how long this condition has been going on it could be Kennel cough, heart failure, lung tumor or heartworm. all the condition other than Kennel cough are very serious and require veterinary attention. kennel cough usually goes away without treatment within 2 weeks.