Kennel Cough Home Remedies: How to Treat and Prevent the Infection

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages, but it's most common in puppies and older dogs.

The infection is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus.

Symptoms of kennel cough include a persistent, dry cough, runny nose, and sneezing.

In mild cases, kennel cough can resolve on its own within 7-14 days, but in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia or other complications.

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Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. It's a common problem in dogs, especially those that are social and interact with other dogs frequently.

Symptoms of kennel cough can range from mild to severe and usually develop within 2-14 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms can be quite unpleasant for dogs, causing them to cough, sneeze, and experience difficulty breathing.

The bacteria that cause kennel cough can survive for up to 2 weeks on surfaces and in the air, making it easy for the disease to spread rapidly in areas where dogs congregate.

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Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine adenovirus, Parainfluenza virus, and others.

These pathogens can be spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing and sneezing, as well as through contact with infected objects. Dogs can contract kennel cough in crowded areas like animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

To minimize the risk of kennel cough, vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica is recommended. You can also ask about vaccine requirements when looking for grooming facilities, daycare facilities, or dog play date partners to ensure your pup is protected.

Here are some common places where dogs can get kennel cough:

Upper respiratory tract infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.

Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, canine adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus are common culprits. In fact, any dog exposed to one of these pathogens can be infected. However, a dog is much more likely to be infected in a moist, warm environment with poor ventilation and with repeated exposure, such as in a kennel or a shelter.

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Dogs can also contract kennel cough from infected objects, such as shared toys, food bowls, or water bowls. This is especially true in crowded areas like animal shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, grooming facilities, and dog parks. These environments provide the perfect breeding ground for the spread of infection.

Some of the specific causes of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs include:

These pathogens can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and playing around or with other dogs. A simple exposure at a dog park can be enough to transmit the infection, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs.

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Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your furry friend safe from kennel cough. Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the common causes, is a must. This will significantly reduce the risk of your dog getting kennel cough.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but it's a good idea to take extra precautions. Ask about vaccine requirements when looking for grooming facilities, daycare facilities, or playdate partners to ensure the dogs your pup will be in contact with are also vaccinated.

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A diagnosis for kennel cough in dogs is often made based on symptoms, history, and response to therapy. Identifying the underlying bacteria or virus is typically not needed.

Diagnostic testing is recommended in certain situations, such as when pneumonia is suspected or if an outbreak is occurring in multiple dogs. For example, if you're experiencing an outbreak at your local dog daycare, it's a good idea to have your veterinarian perform diagnostic testing.

In some cases, dogs may not respond to supportive care, or they may show signs of systemic disease. In these cases, diagnostic testing is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the kennel cough.

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If your dog has kennel cough, you may notice a strong cough with a "honking" sound, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever. This is because kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs.

One of the most obvious symptoms of kennel cough is a strong cough, often with a "honking" sound. This is because the cough can be a dry, hacking sound, or it can sound like the dog is retching.

Other symptoms of kennel cough include runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever. These symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the individual dog and the severity of the infection.

Some dogs may also experience tracheal sensitivity, where they cough when gentle pressure is applied to their trachea. This is a common symptom of kennel cough, and it can be a sign that the dog is experiencing respiratory distress.

Here are some common symptoms of kennel cough:

It's essential to report any coughing symptom to your veterinarian because it could be a sign of a more serious disease, such as canine distemper virus or canine influenza virus. These diseases can have symptoms nearly identical to kennel cough, and they can be life-threatening if left untreated.

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Diagnosing kennel cough in dogs is a relatively straightforward process that focuses on the dog's symptoms and history. A veterinarian can usually make a diagnosis based on the dog's symptoms alone.

However, there are some cases where further testing is recommended. For example, if pneumonia is suspected, diagnostic testing is a must.

In addition to pneumonia, there are other situations where testing is advised. These include dogs that don't respond to supportive care, dogs with signs of systemic disease, and if an outbreak is occurring in multiple dogs.

In these cases, testing can help confirm the presence of kennel cough and guide further treatment.

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Treating Kennel Cough requires patience and the right approach.

Running a hot shower in a closed room can help open your dog's airways and lessen their cough. This steamy atmosphere can be created by turning on the shower for a few minutes with the windows and doors closed. After the room has steamed up, sit with your dog in the steamy atmosphere for 5 to 10 minutes.

Feeding your dog a mixture of lemon juice and honey can help soothe their irritated throat. Mix together 1 US tbsp (0.50 fl oz) of honey and 1 tsp (0.17 fl oz) of lemon juice in 1/2 c (4.0 fl oz) of warm water and give it to your dog hourly.

Boosting your dog's immune system can also help them recover from Kennel Cough. Some natural remedies that may improve a dog's immune system include vitamin C, wild berry bark, peppermint, raw honey, and yerba santa.

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Most dogs with kennel cough have a very good prognosis, recovering on their own within 10 days without treatment.

Dogs with concurrent respiratory disease, such as a collapsing trachea or upper airway constrictions, have a poorer prognosis.

Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers, need more aggressive treatment due to their compromised airway.

Dogs with weak immune systems, such as puppies, dogs with immune-mediated disease, and those on immunosuppressive drugs, have a more guarded prognosis.

Untreated dogs with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus can die, making prompt treatment crucial in these cases.

Dogs vaccinated for the CIRD pathogens have a much better prognosis, with vaccination reducing the duration and severity of disease.

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Avoid irritants like household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and dust to prevent prolonging your dog's recovery.

Change to using harnesses during walks, as collars with leashes place extra pressure on the trachea, which induces coughing.

Keep your home environment calm and free from stress to help your dog heal faster.

As your dog recovers from kennel cough, it's essential to create a comfortable environment to aid in their healing process. Avoid exposing them to irritants like household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and dust, which can prolong their recovery.

Your dog's comfort and safety are crucial during this time. Do not use a collar and leash, as they can cause extra pressure on the trachea, inducing coughing. Instead, switch to using harnesses during walks.

It's also vital to be patient and understanding of your dog's recovery timeline. Recovery time can range from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the case and any pre-existing conditions.

Honey and Ceylon cinnamon can be a great preventive measure to boost your dog's immune system. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon to create a soothing concoction.

Some readers swear by using Betonyl for children to treat kennel cough. Give your little one 1 teaspoon of Betonyl three times a day to help alleviate symptoms.

Chicken broth is a simple and effective way to soothe your dog's throat and calm coughing. It's a great remedy to try at home.

You can also give your dog Robitussin to help with kennel cough.

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Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease is a common issue that affects many dogs, especially those in kennels or shelters. Most veterinarians can diagnose it based on clinical signs alone.

Veterinarians might take chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia, which would change the treatment plan. This is especially important if the dog doesn't respond to initial therapy.

To determine the underlying cause of CIRD, a culture can be taken from the dog's upper airway, but this typically requires sedation and only covers bacteria. It won't diagnose viruses.

A more common approach is to take a swab of the dog's nose and deep throat and send it out for PCR tests. These tests can detect genetic material of the underlying cause, are relatively affordable, and don't require sedation.