Coconut Oil for Kennel Cough: A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Using coconut oil for kennel cough is a holistic approach that can help your furry friend recover faster.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with antimicrobial properties that can help combat the underlying bacterial infection causing kennel cough.

Adding coconut oil to your dog's food can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the throat and respiratory tract.

Studies have shown that coconut oil can be effective in reducing the severity and duration of kennel cough symptoms, including coughing and sneezing.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It's caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus.

Dogs can catch kennel cough by coming into contact with an infected dog's saliva, mucus, or other bodily fluids. This can happen at dog parks, kennels, or even at home if another dog in the household is infected.

Symptoms of kennel cough can include a persistent cough, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite. Some dogs may also show signs of lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics and other medications, but in some cases, it may require hospitalization to help the dog recover.

Protection against kennel cough is best provided by vaccination, which doesn't greatly reduce the risk of shedding and transmission, but helps lessen the severity of disease and shorten the period a dog shows clinical signs.

Vaccination is typically done in two stages: twice at the 2nd and 3rd vaccine dates, followed by a booster at one year of age.

Annual booster vaccinations are recommended, but if your dog is entering a high-risk situation like a boarding kennel or training classes, it's best to vaccinate 10 days prior to entry.

Here's an interesting read: Kennel Cough after Bordetella Treatment

Dogs that spend time in crowded dog spaces or facilities like doggy daycare are at a higher risk of contracting kennel cough.

Staying in moist, warm, and poorly ventilated environments like kennels, rescue shelters, or boarding facilities can also increase the risk.

Dogs exposed to people or equipment that have contact with a large number of dogs, such as vets, trainers, sitters, groomers, or walkers, are also at risk.

Stress or immunocompromise, whether due to travel, separation anxiety, or illness like cancer, can make a dog more susceptible to kennel cough.

The incubation period for kennel cough is between 2-10 days, meaning a dog will start showing signs of illness within this timeframe after exposure.

Dogs that are in close contact with other dogs, such as at puppy school or playing rough and tumble at the park, are also at risk.

The clinical signs of kennel cough can last from days to weeks, creating great distress to dogs and their owners.

A quarantine period of 10-14 days is recommended to prevent the spread of kennel cough.

Here are some high-risk situations for contracting kennel cough:

Vaccination is the best way to protect your dog against kennel cough.

Vaccination helps lessen the severity of disease and shorten the period a dog shows clinical signs.

Pups are normally vaccinated twice, usually at their 2nd and 3rd vaccine dates.

A booster vaccination is given at one year of age.

Annual booster vaccinations are recommended, but if your dog is entering a high-risk situation, it's best to vaccinate 10 days prior to entry.

Coconut oil can be safely used for dogs with kennel cough.

You can give your dog coconut oil orally to help alleviate symptoms, but start with very small amounts.

If your dog has diarrhea or greasy stools, you may be giving too much oil, so reduce the dose.

Some dogs may be allergic to coconut oil and experience an adverse reaction, so start with a small amount at first.

Dogs with pancreatitis may not react well to high-fat foods, so it's best to avoid coconut oil in these cases.

Consult your veterinarian before adding new food or regime to your dog's diet, including coconut oil for kennel cough.