A kennel cough is an infectious disease that can be picked up from other coughing dogs in the same air space.An umbrella term for a variety of highly contagious upper respiratory problems in dogs is kennel cough.The most common agents that cause kennel cough are Parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Canine adenoviruses, and canine reoviruses.
Step 1: Understand the risks.
The cough is very contagious.If your dog has been playing in a park with other dogs, there is a chance it has exposed itself.
Step 2: Listen for coughing.
A dog with kennel cough can develop a cough that can vary in severity from a quiet, persistent "huff" to a harsh hacking cough.The dog is mistaken for having something in his throat.If possible, open his mouth and look for a stick.An alternative method of determining if a dog has something in its throat is to give the dog a treat.If a dog has something stuck in his throat, he won't be able to eat the treat, so if he eats and swallows it without difficulty, it's probably not a foreign object.
Step 3: Gagging is something to watch for.
A sore throat and kennel cough are just as common in dogs as they are in humans.Gagging and retching episodes can be caused by this.This is so severe that some dogs retch up saliva or froth.A dog that is vomiting because of nausea will excrete bile or food from its stomach.This is a sign of a bigger problem.
Step 4: Keep an eye on your dog's energy.
Some dogs with kennel cough show no symptoms of illness, apart from an unpleasant cough.Others can be slow and lose their appetites.It is always a good idea to get a dog that is coughing seen by your vet, but it is essential if the dog suddenly lacks energy or doesn't eat for 24 hours.
Step 5: The dog should be isolated.
Each time your dog coughs, it releases aerosol particles that can spread the illness.It is important to keep your dog away from other dogs if you believe he has kennel cough.A dog with a cough should not be walking.There are other dogs in the house.By the time the symptoms develop, they have already been exposed so keeping them separated from the sick dog is pointless.
Step 6: Take your dog to the vet.
If your dog has a cough, you should get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.The vet will be able to tell if the cough is caused by an infectious disease or heart disease.The person will be able to tell you if the dog needs treatment or not.The vet will take the dog's temperature, check its mouth for foreign objects, and listen to its heart and lungs with a stethoscope.If the vet has a strong suspicion of kennel cough, he or she may suggest "diagnosis by treatment" rather than blood work and other expensive tests.Further investigation may be needed if the dog fails to respond to treatment as expected.Tell the receptionist you suspect your dog has kennel cough when you phone to make the appointment.You may be asked to wait outside until the vet arrives.The risk to other canine patients in the waiting room is reduced by this.
Step 7: If appropriate, obtain antibiotics.
Antibiotics may or may not be prescribed to your dog.As directed, administer if they are prescribed.In some cases antibiotics are not appropriate.The dog's immune system needs to fight and kill the infection in order for antibiotics to work.On the basis of a physical exam, there is no way of differentiating between infections.On the other hand, if your dog is not able to fight off the infection on its own, or if the vet finds signs of congestion in the dog's chest, these can indicate a secondary infection as a result of the primary one.An antibiotic can be prescribed.
Step 8: Give your dog some exercise.
The shower can be run on hot if the window and door are closed.Take care to keep the dog away from the hot water as you sit in the steamy atmosphere.The mucus in the dog's chest can be loosened with this.The process can be repeated many times throughout the day.If you leave your dog unattended in the bathroom, it may scald itself.
Step 9: The dog needs to rest.
Don't allow the dog to engage in strenuous activity.Don't take the dog for a walk.Breathing in cold air is likely to irritate your dog's airways and make the cough worse, which is an infection risk for other dogs.
Step 10: Administer medicine.
It is important that phlegm is moved out of the dog's chest and lungs are clear.If you stop the cough completely, the mucus will sit in the lungs and make it harder for the dog to breathe.If the dog coughs so much that it can't sleep at night, it is acceptable to give it some cough relief.Children's Robitussin can be used as a cough medicine.For every 20 pounds of weight, give the dog a small amount of food.If you are giving a human cough and cold remedy to a dog, make sure you consult your vet first.Administering the wrong dose of drugs can cause serious health problems.Give cough medicine once a day.
Step 11: The tickle should be soothed.
If your dog has a tickle in his throat, you can give it a home remedy that will soothe it.Give the dog a mixture of honey and lemon juice in warm water.If necessary, this mixture can be given hourly.The honey will be harmful to a dog with diabetes.
Step 12: The dog's immune system should be boosted.
If you want to help your dog fight the infection, you can give it vitamins C pills crushed in water, wild berry bark, or raw honey.According to anecdotal evidence, these treatments may be of benefit.
Step 13: You can prevent future infections with a vaccine.
If your dog is in a high risk groupIt's a good idea to have a kennel cough vaccine if you spend time in a kennels, attend dog shows, or mix lots of dogs in the park.The vaccine gives 12 months of protection against major causes of kennel cough.It is not a fatal condition, but it is a very unpleasant one.If your dog is elderly or has other health problems, it is worth considering a vaccine.