How to Treat Kennel Cough in Puppies

Kennel cough is the common name for the disease known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetella or Bordetellosis. It is very common, although easily preventable by a simple vaccination which can be given to puppies as young as 3 weeks old. If your puppy does become infected, however, the disease is easily treatable and you have a number of options for helping to make your pet feel more comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Veterinarian
• Prescription antibiotics (possibly)
• Humidifier
• Honey

1. Take your puppy to a veterinarian if he begins to show symptoms of kennel cough such as a dry, hacking cough or a runny nose. In more severe cases, your vet may wish to prescribe an antibiotic, but in milder cases, she may feel this is inadvisable, as kennel cough symptoms tend to go away on their own after about 10 days.

2. Let your puppy rest in a warm, clean, dust-free bed away from traffic and noise. Make sure her collar is not too tight and there's nothing obstructing her breathing.

3. Run a humidifier or boil a pan of water on the stove to keep the air moist. Moist air may be easier for your puppy to breathe.

4. Feed your puppy small amounts of honey to soothe his sore throat. You can dissolve the honey in his drinking water, about a teaspoon per bowlful.

5. Keep your puppy away from other dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. She will continue to be contagious for about six to 14 weeks, long after her own symptoms are gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Ice cubes may also help soothe your dog's throat. Some dog breeders and pet owners swear by putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your dog's water bowl (about 3 drops)--if you try this, you may wish to mix the hydrogen peroxide with the honey to disguise any unpleasant taste.
• If your puppy becomes excessively lethargic, loses her appetite or begins hacking up green phlegm, she may have developed a secondary infection that, if untreated, could lead to pneumonia.

References

• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Kennel Cough
• The Pet Center: Kennel Cough
• Columbia Animal Hospital: Kennel Cough

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