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| Kennel Cough |
Kennel cough typically crops up in dogs that have been in close proximity with other dogs at boarding kennels, grooming parlors, shows, field trials or pet stores. Stress may also be a factor. What’s happening is a severe inflammation and infection in the upper-respiratory tract that overwhelms the body’s natural defenses. A number of upper respiratory tract invaders have been linked to the disease, most notably Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza viruses. Other bacteria and fungi may play the role of opportunists, riding the coattails of the primary viral invaders into a weakened respiratory tract.
This disease sounds much worse than it is. Generally, the signs clear up with or without treatment within seven to 14 days. If your veterinarian suspects a secondary bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic such as tetracycline or amoxicillin along with short-term anti-inflammatory medication. A cough suppressant can help interrupt the cough-and-gag cycle. Since the primary cause of kennel cough is viral, antibiotics will have little effect other than help to minimize your dog’s symptoms.
If your animal has a strong immune system, she will more likely be naturally resistant to the disease. However, even animals with strong immunity can be affected, although their symptoms may be much milder and of shorter duration.
If you decide to vaccinate for kennel cough, beginning 24 hours after the vaccine, administer the homeopathic remedy Thuja occidentalis 12X or 30C for five to seven days |
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Cats & Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 1 pellet |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 2 pellets |
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Large & Giant Dogs (35+ lb) 3 pellets |
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| If coughing, gagging and spitting up are severe and causing sleep deprivation, you may want to visit your veterinarian for a course of medication to help minimize the symptoms and give partial relief. The herb mullein (Verbascum thapsus) will help relieve upper respiratory symptoms. In capsule form, give the following doses twice daily: |
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Small/Medium Dogs & Cats (up to 34 lb) 1 capsule |
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Large/Giant Dogs (35+ lb) 2 capsules |
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| Mullein is also available in tincture form. Give via dropper onto tongue twice daily or add to water once daily. |
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Cats/Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 5 drops |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 7 drops |
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Large & Giant Dogs (35+ lb) 10 drops |
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| *Cough and Wheeze contains mullein, coltsfoot and lobelia, all upper-respiratory friendly herbs. |
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| Cough and Wheeze (twice daily) |
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Cats/Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 7drops |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 10 drops |
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Large Dogs (35-84 lb) 12 drops |
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Giant Dogs (85+ lb) 15 drops |
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Cats/Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 750 mg |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 1,000 mg |
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Large Dogs (35-84 lb) 1250 mg |
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Giant Dogs (85+ lb) 1500 mg |
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| Finally, add garlic (regular strength) such as Kyolic or Garlicin. Continue for 3-4 weeks after symptoms begin. |
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Cats & Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 1 tablet |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 2 tablets |
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Large & Giant Dogs (35+ lb) 3 tablets |
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