Natural Home Remedies for Kennel Cough: A Comprehensive Guide

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It is characterized by a hacking, honking cough that can persist for weeks. While most cases of kennel cough are mild and self-limiting, some dogs may develop more severe symptoms that require veterinary attention.

If your dog has been diagnosed with kennel cough, there are a number of home remedies that you can try to help alleviate symptoms and speed recovery. These remedies are generally safe and effective, and they can be used in conjunction with veterinary treatment.

Effective Home Remedies for Kennel Cough

• Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the irritated airways and reduce coughing. Give your dog 1-2 teaspoons of honey three times per day.
• Steam: Steam can help to thin mucus and make it easier for your dog to cough it up. Fill a bathroom with steam and let your dog sit in the room for 10-15 minutes, three times per day.
• Humidifier: A humidifier can help to keep the air moist and make it easier for your dog to breathe. Run a humidifier in your dog's room at night or while you are at work.
• Chicken soup: Chicken soup is a nutritious and soothing food that can help to boost your dog's immune system and reduce inflammation. Feed your dog 1-2 cups of chicken soup twice per day.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract. Probiotics can help to improve your dog's overall health and reduce the severity of kennel cough symptoms. Give your dog a probiotic supplement once or twice per day.
• Echinacea: Echinacea is an herb that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can help to boost your dog's immune system and reduce the severity of kennel cough symptoms. Give your dog 1-2 drops of echinacea tincture three times per day.

How to Care for a Dog with Kennel Cough

In addition to using home remedies, there are a number of things you can do to care for your dog with kennel cough:

• Keep your dog isolated: Kennel cough is highly contagious, so it is important to keep your dog isolated from other dogs until the symptoms have subsided.
• Provide plenty of rest: Rest is essential for your dog's recovery. Make sure your dog has a quiet place to rest where they will not be disturbed.
• Encourage your dog to drink plenty of fluids: Fluids help to thin mucus and make it easier for your dog to cough it up. Offer your dog water frequently, or try giving them a bland broth or electrolyte solution.
• Avoid exposing your dog to smoke or other irritants: Smoke and other irritants can irritate your dog's airways and make coughing worse. Keep your dog away from smoke, dust, and other pollutants.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

Most cases of kennel cough are mild and self-limiting, but there are some cases where veterinary attention is necessary. Seek veterinary attention if your dog:

• Has a persistent cough that lasts for more than two weeks
• Has difficulty breathing
• Has a fever
• Is lethargic or depressed
• Is not eating or drinking well
• Has a cough that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea

Prevention of Kennel Cough

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog. The kennel cough vaccine is a core vaccine that is recommended for all dogs, regardless of their age or lifestyle. In addition to vaccination, there are a number of other things you can do to reduce your dog's risk of contracting kennel cough:

• Avoid contact with other dogs who are coughing
• Keep your dog away from crowded areas, such as dog parks
• Wash your hands before and after handling your dog
• Clean and disinfect your dog's food and water bowls regularly

Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Table 2: Home Remedies for Kennel Cough

Table 3: When to Seek Veterinary Attention for Kennel Cough