5 Effective Home Remedies For Kennel Cough

Is your dog coughing as if it is clearing his throat, in order to get rid of frustrating hair that might be irritating him? If it constantly coughs, do not ignore, as this might be the initial sign of niggling upper respiratory infection that is popularly called Kennel cough. This is a communicable infection. However, timely prevention and treatment can retain your pet’s health. At an initial stage, the disease may last up for 10-20 days, but it may recur, if stress is put on the dog’s immune system.

Infection in the upper respiratory tract is the main cause of kennel cough. It is caused by a combination of the bacteria- Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus. The infection has an effect on the outer lining of the air passage and throat which results in cough and irritation. The dogs may also find difficulty in eating their food.

In particular, the symptoms of kennel cough include intermittent coughing that increases at night, runny eyes and nose, coughing triggered by exercise, nasal discharge, vomiting mucous at the end of a coughing spasm, sneezing, eye discharge, clear or yellowish nasal discharge, dry and callous cough, fever, and lethargic appearance.

BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR KENNEL COUGH :

It’s just the flu and would go away on its own in a couple of days. However, that doesn’t mean that the concerned individual would need to put up with the discomfort associated with it. In addition to standard medications, kennel cough can be easily cured with certain home remedies. Given below are some of the best known home remedies for Kennel Cough in humans.

Strengthen Your Immune System :-

• • A strong immune system would be able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause flu and its related symptoms.
  • A compromised (or suppressed) immune system could easily attract the virus responsible for Kennel Cough.

• So make it a point to strengthen your immune system.
• You can do this by eating plenty of foods rich in Vitamin E, a substance which is a natural immune system booster.
• Vitamin C can act as an effective antiviral and help get rid of the infection quickly.
• If possible, try adding some Astragalus herbs to your diet as they contain substances that can boost immune system health and function in addition to healing the bronchial tubes.

Garlic :-

• Eating a few cloves of raw garlic or adding some garlic to your existing diet can help deal with the symptoms of Kennel Cough effectively.
• Garlic contains potent antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help get rid of the infection quickly and provide extended relief from the condition.

Honey :-

• A spoon of raw honey would go a long way in easing a sore throat and treating Kennel Cough.
• Alternatively, you can add some honey to warm water and drink the mixture several times every day for extended relief from condition and its symptoms.
• The antibacterial properties of honey also help to clear congested nasal passages of the infection and reduce nasal discharge to an extent.

Essential Oils :-

• • Essential Oils are usually loaded with plenty of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that help deal with all kinds of infections, including Kennel Cough.
  • In addition to producing a soothing effect on the infected area, these oils also help promote quick healing.

• Common examples include lavender oil, oregano oil, chamomile oil and tea tree oil etc.

Raw Honey and Lemon :-

• Lemon contains Vitamin C, which is required to improve the immune system of dogs.
• Mix two tablespoons of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and half (1/2) cup of water.
• Give this mixture twice a day to your dog.
• Alternatively, you can also give a teaspoon or two of honey for quick recovery.

Vitamins :-

• Vitamins speed up the process of recuperation in your dog.
• Vitamin C is considered useful not only for humans, but it can also be a beneficial remedy for dogs, to treat virus and bacteria related infections.
• The dosage level depends on the pet’s weight, but generally a 500 mg tablet is given two to three times a day.

Keep the Air Moist :-

• For quick healing, keep the air moist when your dog is suffering from throat problems.
• A vaporizer or humidifier can keep your dog’s throat from turning too dry.
• You may put it near to the pet’s bed or wherever it sleeps.
• You may also use air conditioners that have inbuilt “humidifier mode” in them.

Over-the-Counter Cough Syrup :-

• • Give your pet decongestant cough syrup, such as Umcka Cold Care (cherry flavor), which is easily available at almost all drugstore chains.
  • Use a syringe to measure 1 teaspoon and spray this syrup down its throat with the syringe, at least 3 times a day.

• Thereafter, close its jaws and massage its throat gently.

Steam or Hot Water Bath :-

• Steam is the easiest and powerful kennel cough home remedy, since it opens up the bronchial tubes of the dogs and assists them clear extra phlegm from their throat.
• Simply turn on the hot shower in the bathroom and allow the room to fill with steam.
• Now, let your pet inhale it for about 15 to 25 minutes. It will ease breathing.

Steam Vaporizer :-

1. Make use of a warm steam vaporizer that is widely available in all pharmacies.
2. In a crate, covered by a sheet or in a small bathroom, direct the vapors in the direction of your dog’s head.
3. Allow your dog to breathe these vapors, for approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times daily, for a minimum of 2 to 3 days.

Note – Make sure to put the vaporizer far away, to ensure the safety of your dog.