How To Treat Kennel Cough

Bordetella Bronchisentica, a bacterium, Canine Parainfluenza-3, a virus and Canine Adenovirus Type 2, the same virus that brings on distemper, are the three culprits behind what is commonly known as kennel cough. Unfortunately, many dogs contract it at the veterinarian's office while receiving their first series of immunizations, typically in what is known as a cocktail shot, which is the most economical way to get those early vaccines. These can weaken a dog's general immune system, rendering it more susceptible to future illnesses, and some dogs have bad reactions to them. If the presence of kennel cough later manifests itself, check with a veterinarian to help you identify the source. He can prescribe the proper medication to vanquish it, especially in any likelihood that the three primary pathogens causing kennel cough have combined, as sometimes happens. For milder cases not in need of emergency medical intervention, many veterinarians today have begun recommending natural therapies that you can use at home to speed recovery and strengthen the immune system.

• Vitamin C, nature's powerhouse antioxidant, relieves coughs and congestion and fights infection. Optimally a natural source of C should be given and in powdered form dissolved in a little water and administered in a dropper, which is less stressful on your dog and hits the system quickly. Check your label carefully to make certain you do not exceed 1000 milligrams per 24 hours per 10 pounds weight; vitamin C has a powerful laxative effect in large doses.
• Colloidal Silver solution available in natural food stores, knocks out bacteria and viruses everywhere it finds them and will certainly slow down proliferation of either type of kennel cough in your dog. Get the best quality you can find and add a teaspoonful to your dog's water bowl daily, changing it more often if necessary to keep it as clean as possible.
• Oregano Oil capsules, in carriers of olive or grape seed oil, are found in most natural foods stores and are a powerful antiviral. Also try some of the essential oil in a vaporizer to disinfect the air and make breathing easier for your dog. As in the case of the common cold in humans, kennel cough is characterized by burdensome congestion, which the oregano oil-scented steam will break up while soothing mucus membrane.
• A homeopathic kennel cough remedy is another convenient and affordable choice.  They are widely available online. Most of these will contain plantago herb for clearing the upper respiratory tract, echinacea to bolster the immune system and various biochemical tissue salts. All of these are safe enough for infants and support the healthy balance of the whole body.

Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water. Offer good broth made with meat and vegetables with some ginger added to soothe the throat, cooling it to lukewarm before serving. You can begin doing this with a dropper, as many as your dog will take. As with the common cold, kennel cough makes one susceptible to chills, so a warm place to sleep must be provided, best of all, close to your reassuring presence.