How to Treat Kennel Cough in Puppies

There is no cure for kennel cough in puppies and dogs, it simply must run its course. Kennel cough is an extremely contagious virus, often contracted in kennels where there are multiple dogs, hence the name "kennel cough." The best way to treat kennel cough in puppies is to treat the symptoms, and keep the puppies comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pediatric Cough Medication
• Warm Cloth
• Echinacea Capsules
• Pedialyte
• Vaporizer

1. Give the puppy a small dose (one teaspoon) of pediatric cough medicine to treat the immediate cough. This will help suppress the cough for a couple of hours and make the puppy a little more comfortable. Try to find a nighttime cough medicine to help avoid making the puppy excitable and hyper.

2. Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe puppy's eyes and nose if needed. Keeping them clean and clear is important in the healting process. Some puppies will develop a mucus build up, while others may not.

3. Mix an echinacea capsule in puppy's water. Echinacea can be found in the vitamin section of many drugstores, grocery store or health food stores. Buy the capsules that can be opened up, and stir in the powdery substance into the water. Echinacea helps the immune system and will help the puppy fight the kennel cough.

4. Give plenty of fluids. If puppy isn't drinking as much as they should, give pedialyte to help keep them hydrated. If they are really miserable and will not drink on their own, use a syringe or eyedropper to give pedialyte drops in the puppy's cheek.

5. Crate the puppy near a vaporizer if the kennel cough is severe. Be sure to have a comfortable bedding in the crate, and run a vaporizer right next to the crate. This will help provide moisture and loosen up the dry, hacking cough that comes with kennel cough.

6. Give bordatella vaccine as soon as puppy is better. Bordatella is the "kennel cough" vaccine and will help prevent the puppy from contracting it again. It should be given yearly, or 8 weeks before your puppy or dog is to be boarded.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your vet if the kennel cough doesn't go away in a week.
• Keep an infected puppy away from all other dogs for 2 weeks to avoid spreading the virus.

[dusty123]

on 10/24/2009 can humans and babies get this from dogs/puppies?